HBT - Christmas in Hawkes Bay 2023

Wrap up in Hawke’s Bay 2023

Be in to WIN! L’Oreal and Whittaker’s prizes up for grabs!

Your summer sorted with Smith & Sheth

Fill your stockings with the gift of wine this Christmas. Check out our ideas to suit the rosé sipper, road tripper, wine collector and food lover in your life.

Summer sippers A refreshing duo of Chardonnay and Rosé the perfect summer gift.

Wine Studio A masterclass in wow factor and certain to cement your status as the local wine and experience aficionado.

Grand Cru reds

Magnificent magnums

Double down on a delicious red blend or velvety Syrah with our Grand Cru duo.

Delicious super-sized wines, carefully cellared and made for sharing.

What’s on at the Smith & Sheth Oenothèque Live music, masterclasses and tasting flights tailored to you, we’ve got the goods to wow your visitors this holiday season.

Live music Wednesdays

Table for Eight

Tasting Flights

Heretaunga Wine Studio

Nothing beats a Wednesday night listening to some of Hawke’s Bay’s top local talent on the Smith & Sheth wine patio.

A deep dive on special wine themes with our sommelier and guests from Champagne to Syrah and everything in between.

Curated tastings from the wines of Smith & Sheth and Pyramid Valley, perfectly suited to your tastes.

A tasting adventure that combines a theatre and barrel cellar in one. Engage your senses through storytelling, film and tasting.

Open Wednesday - Sunday from midday Located in the heart of Havelock North, 4 Te Aute Road (behind Porters Hotel)

www.smithandsheth.com

Christmas is just around the corner A

shining star amongst the special events that pack k the modern calendar and the pleasures of 21st century life, Christmas has some extra special quality that setss it apart.

As one of the most important Christian festivals, it is im mbued with a significance that touches hearts and souls through h o u t th e world with a spirit of peace and hope. Christmas is celeb brated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believve is the Son of God.

d Setting aside differences, renewing old friendships and remembering those in need or unhappy, people on everyy continent from Africa to Europe, Asia and the Americas, draw on th he rich traditions of over 2000 years-ago and make their own ve ery different preparations for the day. But everywhere the mood is the same-excited anticipation as they decorate homes, gather gifts and prepare special foods to celebrate the season’s messsage with family and friends.

The last few years have been especially difficult for all but especially here in Hawke’s Bay as we lived through Covid and endured Cyclone Gabrielle which has had a long lasting impact.

The rising cost of living is a challenge for all. However, in n spite of that Christmas is a time for giving, sharing and caring. It’s not about getting into financial debt but about being with frie ends and family. p le of Inside we have a selection of articles to inspire- a coup Whittakers chocolate recipes for example! Then there’s an exciting new recipe for ham you might like to try. Take inspiration n about caring for, and spoiling, your pets and read about Canine e Friends Pet Therapy. The Fiesta of Lights celebrates its 25th anniversary and we talk to Te Rangi Huata about its origins.

Merry Christmas

Celebrate Christmas & New Year in Hawke’s Bay Santa’s Grotto Toitoi - Tama Tūranga Huata Room, Hastings.

Friday 8 December to Friday 22 December Bring your tamariki to visit Santa in the Tama Tūranga Huata room this December!

Post your letters to Santa, pop a gift under the Giving Tree for Women’s Refuge, meet the big man - and bring a camera so you have a photo with him in the Grotto. There’ll be art activities for kids and, on Friday nights there will be live music. Santa is also welcoming tamariki and whanau to his low sensory grotto but bookings are essential.

Phone 06 871 5289. See www.eventfinda. co.nz/2023/santas-grotto-2023/hastings for opening times.

Central Hawke’s Bay Community Christmas Carnival Ruataniwha Street, Waipukurau, Central Hawke’s Bay. Saturday 9 December, 11am-1pm A fun & festive FREE community event filled with lots of Christmas cheer! It is going to be a ‘Holly Jolly’ Christmas event that will see the closing of Ruataniwha Street between Northumberland Street & Porangahau Rd, providing visitors the opportunity to enjoy, connect and celebrate the joy.

Dannevirke Fantasy Cave Pop up

Hawke’s Bay Christmas at the Park

Fountain Theatre, 1 Ward Street, Dannevirke.

Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December - 10am to 4pm Monday 11th to Friday 15th December 1pm to 4pm Saturday 16th to Sunday 24th December 10am to 4pm Entry by donation/koha - Photographs with Santa $5.00

Tremain Field, Park Island Sports Ground, Napier.

Saturday 9 December, 4pm-10pm.

The headline act is Cassie Henderson who will be joined by a wonderful variety of local artists and musical talent, singing Christmas songs, covers and original tunes. An array of food trucks, kids activities and things to do all day and night - including one of the best fireworks shows in Hawke’s Bay! If you can’t make it to the event will be live streaming it on Facebook and YouTube.

Paint, Puzzles, Paint b

by N Number, b Art supplies, Books and Much, Much more.

Come in store and take a look.

107 KARAMU RD, HASTINGS | PH: 06 8707069

S P E C I A L I S T S

I N

F I N E

A R T S

S U P P L I E S

Carols in Cornwall Park Cornwall Park, Hastings.

Saturday December 16 Bring your friends and family and gather in the beautiful surrounds of Cornwall Park for an evening of live musical performances, carol singing and more for all ages to enjoy.

Fiesta of Lights Tomoana Showgrounds, Hastings.

Saturday 16 December 2023 to Wednesday 3 January 2024 including Christmas Day. Open rain or shine: 9pm to 11pm (It gets dark late in summer).

Enjoy a fairyland of 350,000+ sparkling lights that envelope a lakeside walkway to a trail surrounded by 59 light displays.

Nest Fest Music and Arts Festival

The Bridge Pa Wine Festival 2024

Te Awanga Estate Sunday Sessions

January 5 & 6 Every year thousands of music lovers flock to Tomoana Showgrounds in Hastings to experience what’s described as one of the best weekends of the year. Featuring world class stages and artists, art installations, workshops, drink, produce and more. There will be camping facilities. See nestfest.co.nz

Saturday 20 January Eight wineries in the Bridge Pa Triangle Wine District of Hawke’s Bay, are hosting the Annual Bridge Pa Wine Festival for the tenth year in a row. The Bridge Pa wineries are close to each other and all will be connected by hop on/hop off buses. www. bridgepatriangle.nz

Sunday 21 January 12-5pm, Sunday 18 February 12-5pm.

A cruisy session on the lawn with music and wine. Entry $5 at gate, kids under 12 free.

Pizzas and all day grazing or BYO picnic.

Featuring The Fletchers on January 21.

February artist TBC.

New Year’s Eve Sat 31 Dec Pulse Classic Hits Band will be playing party anthems from 8.30pm and there’s a spectacular early bird New Year’s fireworks display for kiddies at 9.45pm. Gates open early at 8pm and close at 11pm on New Year’s Eve. $7, Under 3 free. Free parking in the showgrounds. Enter Gate 3 Kenilworth Rd & Gate 4 Karamu Road/SH51, Hastings.

Christmas Fragrances come in and see our exclusive range

Napier NAPIER CITY 131 Emerson St (06) 835 8525

Enjoy fresh local figs this Christmas Polenta with figs and blue cheese

T

his makes a lovely starter or canape.

Ingredients 4 cups water 1 ½ teaspoon salt 1 1/4 cups cornmeal 1 tablespoon butter (plus some for pan) 15 fresh figs cut in half 1 cup blue cheese crumbled Method Bring the water and salt to a boil over high heat then reduce heat to low. Slowly add the cornmeal into the water whisking constantly. As soon as all the cornmeal has been incorporated in the water, switch to a heat resistant spatula or wooden spoon and stir constantly until the polenta is thick and bubbles break slowly through it. Add the butter and stir just to incorporate.

Grease a 25 x 15cm pan with butter and pour in the cooked polenta. Cool until firm enough to cut. Cut the polenta into 5cm squares and then the squares into triangles (30 triangles).

Heat a non-stick frying pan. Melt the butter in the pan and place the figs face down in the pan. Cook just until the figs are heated through and golden brown on the cut side (approx. 4 minutes). Transfer the figs to a tray and keep warm.

Using the same pan with no added butter or oil, cook the polenta triangles until they are crisp on one side. Transfer the triangles to a serving tray and top each triangle with warm fig. Sprinkle blue cheese over top and serve immediately.

Fig, Roquette, Feta and Prosciutto salad

T

advance with the feta and oil garnish added just before serving.

his is perfect as an entrée or accompaniment to a main dish.

Ingredients 3 cups roquette, washed and trimmed Fresh figs - quartered (as many as you want) 4 slices prosciutto, roughly torn into pieces Walnuts – about a handful ½ cup feta cheese – crumbled 2 tablespoons walnut oil Method This is a classic recipe and so delicious. It is easy to make and can be fully prepared in

Mound the roquette on an attractive serving platter. Sprinkle the figs and prosciutto over the top.

Just before serving, garnish with the feta cheese and drizzle the walnut oil over the top. Serve immediately.

Recipes courtesy of Murray Douglas and Helen Walker of Te Mata Figs.

Indulge in Delightful Delicacies at Cuteneys Cakes Satisfy Your

Christmas Hams (halves or whole) Rolled Roast Pork (plain or seasoned) Prime Angus Ribeye Steak (whole or sliced) Prime Aged Angus Eye Fillet

Sweet Tooth and Spread Holiday Cheer

Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas

Free Range Turkey Fresh Lamb Bostock Brothers Organic Chicken WE ONLY SELL L FRESH FRE ESH H D NEW ZEALAND PORK, BEEF AND LAMB

MC

Join us at our NEW location 20 Dalton Street, Napier

Te Mata Figs 12 Days of FIGMAS Come along and have a coffee, browse our products and try our delicious fig inspired menu. We’d love to help you find the perfect figgy gift or product to go with your Christmas ham, welcome canapé and bubble’s!

In Store offer - Buy any four or more products and receive 10% discount!

On the first day of FIGMAS The Figgery made for me….

On the third day of FIGMAS The Figgery made for me….

On the second day of FIGMAS The Figgery made for me….

One Figgy Christmas Cake

Two Dessert Figs

On the fourth day of FIGMAS The Figgery made for me….

Three Figgy Christmas Mince Pies

On the fifth day of FIGMAS The Figgery made for me….

Four Figgy Spanish Mini Cakes

Five Figgy Panforte con Fichi

On O the seventh day of FIGMAS The Figgery made for me….

On the eighth day of FIGMAS The Figgery made for me….

Seven Figgy Salame di Fichi

Eight Figgy Three Pack Gift Set

On the tenth day of FIGMAS The Figgery made for me….

Ten Christmas Figgy Gift Boxes

On the sixth day of FIGMAS The Figgery made for me….

Six Figgy Delights

On the ninth day of FIGMAS The Figgery made for me….

Nine Figgy Puddings

On the eleventh day of FIGMAS The Figgery made for me….

On the twelve day of FIGMAS The Figgery made for me….

Eleven Fig Mostardas

Twelve Fig Pastes

Go all out for Christmas – dress to impress!

H ave some fun with dressing up for the annual family Christmas photo - go all out.

Don’t be surprised at what you can do with your own wardrobe. Pull out that special dress you bought ages ago but have hardly worn(retro is in!), add a few touches like a colourful belt, see through over top or glam up with lots of jewellery and strappy shoes and voila! You’re ready to party!

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If you want to treat yourself then find that stunning dress or gorgeous shoes or an outfit that you feel special in - it’s all about how you feel.

Devote some time to care for your skin, prepare it for the holiday season and make sure to always use sun protection. It’s just as important, probably more important, than your skincare and makeup.

There is plenty of choice for all budgets with quality not dictated by price.

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WIN WITH We have a selection of beautiful goodies from L’OREAL NZ to giveaway to one lucky reader. Just enter to win OR donate it to someone who needs it.

Entry details: Email competitions@hbtoday.co.nz with L’OREAL in the subject line. You must include a daytime contact phone number to be eligible.

Competition closes 5pm Friday 15 December 2023 By emailing to enter this competition you agree to the NZME Standard Promotion or Competition Terms and Conditions and NZME Privacy Policy that can be viewed a : http://www.nzme.co.nz/ about-nzme/terms-conditions/

!

A Tasste of Hawke’s Bay A perfect gi for friends, family, colleague es and clients.

We deliver loccally and na onally.

Order from our range of gi -boxes, or we can make up a special box to order Website: www.hawkesbayinabox.co.nz / Email: hawkesbayinabox@gmail.com Phone: 027 2444834

We make your Christmas shopping easy!

FREE

FESTIVITIES COMINGUP in Havelock North SUN 03

DECEMBER

CAROLSONTHEGREEN 4-6PM, HAVELOCK NORTH VILLAGE GREEN.

ACRAFTYCHRISTMASPARTY 11AM - 1PM, BLACKBOARD JUNGLE TOY SHOP.

SAT 02,09 &16

DESIGNAGIFTTAG&GIFT WRAPPING

FUNDRAISER FOR HAVELOCK NORTH PLAYCENTRE

BY THE VILLAGE CENTRAL WATER FEATURE, 11AM - 1PM.

SANTAMAIL COLLECT A POSTCARD, DECORATE AND POP IT BACK IN THE MAILBOX AT ST MARTHA UNTIL 24 DECEMBER.

11AM1PM

ALL DEC

VISITSANTACLAUS

SATURDAY: 9TH | SUNDAYS: 10, 17TH & 24TH | FRIDAY: 22ND BLACKBOARD JUNGLE TOY SHOP, DONNELLY STREET

THEGREATSUMMER SANTAHUNT THERE ARE 21 SUMMER SANTAS HIDDEN IN SHOP WINDOWS, FIND 5 FOR AN INSTANT PRIZE! COLLECT ENTRY FORM AT UNICHEM ON NAPIER ROAD.

THURS 14

SAT 09

ALL DEC

LATENIGHTSHOPPING KEEP AN EYE ON SOCAIL MEDIA FOR DETAILS

GIFTINGGUIDE CHECK OUT THE 2023 VILLAGE GIFITNG

GUIDE AT HAVELOCKNORTHNZ.COM

MOREINFO:

ALL DEC

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Christmas Ham Y ou can’t go past a traditional ham for Christmas, especially if you’ve got plenty of visitors. This apricot, clove, cinnamon and ginger wine glaze adds a warming, sweet and spicy flavour to the salty, savoury ham. Easy to put together, this flavourful glaze requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavour. A crowd pleaser for sure, it’s just as good, if not better, as cold leftovers the next day.

Difficulty Easy

it moist. Score the ham with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut too deep.

To make the glaze: Put all ingredients in a saucepan except butter. Simmer with the lid on for 20-30 minutes to infuse. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter.

Put the ham in a large roasting dish and pour over the glaze. Place in the oven for 20-30 mins until the fat has turned golden brown.

Turn down oven to 140°C, re-baste the glaze over the ham. If during the baking process the glaze starts to reduce too much add ½ cup water to the roasting pan. Bake for a further 1½ hours.

Remove ham from the oven and re-glaze.

Add the strained dried apricots and coat with the glaze. Bake for another 30 minutes.

ham on a large platter. Spoon over the glaze and apricots and serve with watercress to the side.

Note: don’t eat the cloves.

Courtesy of Westgold

Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 20-30 mins before carving. Remove the spices from the dish and discard. Place the

Prep time 10 minutes Cook time 2 hours 40 minutes - 3 hours Serves 40-50 Ingredients 8-10 kg ham on the bone Glaze 100g Westgold butter 1/2 cups brown sugar 2 cups ginger wine 3-4 cinnamon sticks 1 ½-2 teaspoons whole cloves 4 teaspoons mustard seeds Juice of 2 lemons 2 thumbs fresh ginger fresh ground pepper 200g gourmet dried apricots (soaked in boiling water) watercress to serve Method Preheat oven to 180°C. Remove ham from the packaging and carefully cut the skin around the hock bone and push your fingers between the fat and the skin, being careful to leave the layer of fat on the ham to keep

Get your

Christmas

6 Treachers Lane Havelock North Monday: closed Tues + Wed: 3pm-late Thurs-Sun: 12pm-late

sorted with The Classic Butcherr Christmas Hams BBQ Meat Packs

“

The Gloaming”

Roast Meats Award Winning Sausages

The Classic Butcher Has It All! Pre-order your fresh ham, made only with New Zealand pork!

Email ben@theclassicbutcher.co.nz or phone call 06 6507641

• Tue-Sat 10am-4pm • Sun 11am-4pm • Closed Mon www.redpeachgallery.com cnr Waghorne & Bridge Streets, Ahuriri • PH: (06) 835 4773 • E: janice@redpeachgallery.com

The Classic Butcher 4 Joll Road, Havelock North | 06 6507641

EXHIBITING QUALITY HAWKE’S BAY AND NEW ZEALAND ART

SANTA' SAN ANT NTA' T S' GROTTO GROTT TTO T

SAT 16 - MON 18 DEC 10AM - 2PM

OCEAN BOULEVARD MALL

SHOP - DINE - PLAY In Napier’s CBD This Summer No matter what you’re into, we’ve got something for you.

We're open seven days a week! @NAPIERCITY

Santa plant Make your own DIY pot treat Christmas lanterns You will need: Terracotta pot size 15

Project and images by Fleur Thorpe Create these quick and easy Christmas lantern to brighten your festive table this Christmas. Reuse any glass jars you have in the cupboard or from your recycling bin.

Black buttons Glue Test pots in Resene Red Berry and white Test pot brush STEPS: Step 1. Either free hand paint the rim in white or use painters masking tape to mask the lower part of pot ready for painting the top lip of the pot in Resene white.

Step 2. Take your terracotta pot and paint the lower part of the pot in Resene red berry. Two coats of this colour is preferred for best coverage.

Step 3. Once dry either remove tape if you have used it and glue on black buttons.

Paper to create a stencil Pencil Scissors Sticky tape Paintbrush Tealight candles Resene testpot paints in your choice of colours.

Step 4. Either pop in a plant or some cookies and gift to a friend, grandparent, teacher or parents.

Courtesy Resene. Created by Vanessa Nouwens@nesdesign Photography by Bryce Carleton

You will need: 3 glass jars

Step 1: Clean and dry your three glass jars. Cut out shapes using paper and scissors to use as a stencil. Fleur made a Christmas tree, heart and a star.

Step 2: Use loops of sticky tape or double sided tape to stick the shapes on to the front of the jars. Try to position your shapes quite low down so that the flame from the short tea light candles can be seen through the glass. Paint your jars in your chosen Resene colours but be careful not to push paint under your paper shape When using a Resene FX Metallic, apply the recommended basecoat colour first for the most stand out metallic colour effect. i Step 3: Once the paint has dried, carefully remove the paper shape and place a tealight candle in the bottom of the jar and let there be light.

Top tip: Add an extra luscious touch to your Christmas festivities with lantern jars painted in Resene FX Metallic paints. The metallic flake will reflect more light around the room and help to catch your guests’ attention.

Courtesy of Resene

Sunglasses are the perfect way to top off your Christmas look...

Protect your eyes with a pair of sunglasses from Shattky Optometrists.

Fashion sunglasses from Shattky Optometrists are not just a chic accessory, they provide your eyes with comfort, protection and they can also have your prescription lenses fitted so you can see with precision and enjoy all that Hawke's Bay has to offer. Gift Vouchers available.

A well selected pair of sunglasses will not only protect your eyes, it will show off your individual style!

Shattky Optometrists delivers the highest quality eyecare and eyewear for all ages.

Come in and see us in Hastings or Waipukurau.

HASTINGS / 116 Russell Street South / 06 876 3777 WAIPUKURAU / 36 Ruataniwha Street / 06 858 9117

shattkysoptometrists

shattkyoptometrists

www.shattky.co.nz

Indulge with Whittaker’s chocolate Whittaker’s Candy Cane Cookies

Reader giveaway!

Ingredients 120g Unsalted butter, softened

We have two blocks of Whittaker’s Candy Cane to give away. To enter simply nominate a person you think deserves a treat and explain why in less than 50 words. The winner and the nominee will each receive a block of Whittaker’s Candy Cane. emailcompetitions@ hawkesbaytoday.co.nz with Candy Cane in the subject line. Please include a daytime phone number. The competition closes at 5pm on Friday 15 December 2023 *

½ Cup Brown sugar ¼ Cup Caster sugar 1 Egg 1 tsp Vanilla paste 1 Cup Plain flour ½ tsp Baking soda 1 Tbsp Cornflour ½ Cup Cocoa powder 200g Whittaker’s Candy Cane Chocolate 1 Candy cane, finely chopped (optional) Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C bake & line a large baking tray with Whittaker’s new limited edition Candy Cane 250g Block baking paper. is the perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit this year.

2.

Add the butter, brown sugar Featuring a delicious festive flavour, it is the ideal treat for and caster sugar to a large your favourite teacher, neighbour, co-worker, or even just mixing bowl. Using a hand to treat yourself. mixer, beat until smooth.

Whittaker’s Candy Cane Block is crafted using its 3. Whisk in the egg and vanilla classic 33% Five Roll Refined Creamy Milk chocolate with paste. generous peppermint candy cane pieces throughout, for 4. Sift in the flour, baking soda, the perfect balance of texture and flavour. cornflour and cocoa powder.

Servings 12 cookies Mix well to combine.

5. Finely chop 12 squares of Difficulty Easy chocolate and fold through the Prep time 20 minutes cookie dough mixture.

Cook time 12 minutes 6. Spoon the cookie dough into

Gifts that make a difference C hristmas is a time of giving and also of goodwill with plenty of opportunities for locals to give to the various Christmas appeals in Hawke’s Bay. Napier and Hastings will be running the annual Christmas Cheer appeals and Kmart will also be running their Wishing Tree Appeal which is Australia and New Zealand’s largest and longest running gift collection Appeal.

Kmart is a long-standing partner of The Salvation Army in New Zealand providing thousands of gifts to brighten the lives of vulnerable families each Christmas. For 30 years Kmart stores have collected gift and cash donations from customers and the

public which are donated to the Salvation Army to give to Kiwis in need. The appeal runs from 13 November to 24 December.

The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas appeal ‘Light up someone’s Christmas’ was launched in early November. Contributions will go towards ensuring vulnerable individuals have access to nutritious food supplies as well as wraparound services that include budgeting advice, counselling and positive lifestyle programmes. Every donation has the power to transform lives and bring warmth, nourishment and hope to those in our community who need it most.

See www.salvationarmy.org.nz/Christmas to learn how you can support this appeal.

* ) $ ) ' % #

The Christmas Cheer appeal supports families in need at Christmas. It’s for people living pay packet to pay packet who don’t make enough money to cover extras at Christmas. It’s also for people receiving financial assistance or no assistance at all.

Christmas Cheer helps grandparents raising grandkids and young parents of small children. It’s there for single parents, married parents, families and single people who are struggling to put food on the table.

Donation drop off Donations can be made from now until December 20, 2023.

• Hawke’s Bay Today Hastings, 301 Heretaunga St East, (open from 9am2pm)

2 tablespoon portions (45g).

Working one at a time, gently flatten each piece of cookie dough and place a square of chocolate in the centre. Wrap the cookie dough around the piece of chocolate and roll into a ball. Place on the prepared baking tray.

7. Repeat with remaining cookie dough, placing them about 5cm apart on the baking tray.

8. Bake in the oven for 12 minutes. Leave to rest for a few minutes on the baking tray before transferring to a wire rack.

9. Melt the remaining chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals, whisking until smooth. Drizzle the chocolate over the cookies and sprinkle with the crushed candy canes.

10. Enjoy warm and gooey or leave to cool until hardened.

Recipe courtesy Whittaker’s

*By emailing to enter this competition, you agree to the NZME Standard Promotion and Competition terms and Conditions and NZME Privacy Policy that can be viewed at www.nzme. co.nz/about-nzme/terms-conditions/

• Hawke’s Bay Today Napier, 105 Dickens St, (open from 9am-2pm) • Customer Service - Napier City Council • Hawke’s Bay Today Central Hawke’s Bay, 76 Ruataniwha St, Waipukurau, open Tuesday and Thursday 9am-2pm, Wednesday and Friday 9am-12 noon • Online donation at www.napier.govt.nz • Napier City and Taradale Libraries • The Baby Factory – Napier • Mitre 10 Mega - Napier • Customer Services – Hastings District Council • Any of the Hastings District Libraries: Flaxmere, Hastings, Havelock North.

Your gifts should be non-perishable and unwrapped.

* " ""$ $ ' & ! ( ) $ ! $ * #

Another Whittaker’s temptation Whittaker’s Honey, Nougat & Almond Tiramisu Tart Servings

12

Difficulty

Medium

Prep time

30 minutes + setting time

Cook time

5 minutes

place back into the fridge to set.

5. Place the cream, mascarpone and vanilla paste in a bowl and beat with a hand mixer until soft peaks form.

6. Spoon or pipe the mascarpone cream onto the top of the set chocolate filling. If piping, spoon the mascarpone cream into a piping bag with a large round tip, and pipe small dollops all over the top of the tart. Dust with cocoa powder and place in the fridge until ready to serve.

Recipe courtesy Whittaker’s

Ingredients Tart base: 200g Savoiardi lady finger biscuits 2

Tbsp Caster sugar

120g

Butter, melted

Chocolate filling: 250g Block Whittaker’s Honey, Nougat & Almond Chocolate 1/3

Cup Cream

1/8

Cup Espresso

1-2

Tbsp Marsala

Assembly: ¾ Cup Mascarpone ¾

Cup Cream

1

tsp vanilla paste

1

Tbsp Cocoa powder, for dusting

Method 1. Blitz the lady fingers in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. Add the caster sugar and melted butter and continue to blitz until combined.

2. Add the crumbs to a greased 9-inch removable base tart tin and level them out. Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup to press them down firmly all over the bottom and up the sides. Place in the fridge to set.

3. Break the chocolate into pieces and add to a small saucepan along with the cream & coffee. Gently melt over a low heat, stirring regularly until smooth. Remove from the heat and stir through the marsala.

4. Pour the chocolate mixture into the chilled tart base and

Tremains

Christmas lights

I t’s Time!

Get the family together and celebrate the magic of the festive season.

Pop into your local Tremains office to purchase your ticket for the Art Deco bus: Hastings Bus 12Sold December Out!

Napier Bus 12Sold December Out!

Havelock North Bus 13 December

Taradale Bus 13Sold December Out!

Buses will depart from each office at 8:45pm. Bus tickets $5 each.

Scan the QR code to download the official Tremains Christmas Lights map

With big thanks to Santa’s ’s little h helpers:

Tremain Real Estate (2012) Ltd Licensed Real Estate Agent REAA 2008.

Celebrating a quarter century of family friendly entertainment

By Chrys Ayley

T

e Rangi Huata has an extremely positive attitude to life with a passion for his day job as Events Manager for Ngāti Kahungunu and also his voluntary job as organiser of the annual Fiesta of Lights.

Special Projects Manager Te Rangi had been tasked by the Kahurangi board to come up with a concept to celebrate the Millennium back in New Zealand and the Canadian festival was just the inspiration they were looking for. The organisers were very helpful and shared information about creating their sculptures. Their advice was

LEDs being introduced which means the power bill has decreased. Te Rangi says that their lighting is not as sophisticated as some of the larger shows but it’s a community event with limited funds and the focus is on keeping admission fees reasonable.

Visitors, including children, are often been surveyed about their experience

will be an indoor multi zone playground in the Exhibition Hall hosting silent disco and interactive glow in the dark games including hop scotch and glow in the dark face painting.

The Fiesta is run by the Public Dreams Charitable Trust with huge financial support from Hastings District Council, many clubs, foundations, and businesses.

Over the years there has been a large team of artists making the light displays.

In addition to the grants received they raise funds by organising firework displays around the country and selling fireworks in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne for Guy Fawke’s Day. With the proceeds of the retail fireworks sales this year they plan to buy a new storage container from China, a custom made 5m tall inflatable panda bear holding bamboo, four 3m tall inflatable mushroom houses, 500 metres of purple fairy lights with a white twinkle and one 5000 lumen special interactive projector for the new glow in the dark zone in Exhibition Hall.

The fireworks show is all coordinated with music and Te Rangi spends hours designing and putting it all together. He receives great satisfaction when he sees his ideas come to fruition and enjoys people responding positively. “I’m grateful I have a passion for what I do. It’s been a great journey.”

The Fiesta runs from Saturday 16 December 2023 to Wednesday 3 January 2024 including Christmas Day.

!"

This year the Fiesta of Lights reaches a significant milestone-the 25th anniversary of its founding! It’s one of the iconic attractions in Hastings over the festive season.

From small beginnings in 1998 the Fiesta, held at the Tomoana Showgrounds, has steadily grown over the years and attracts thousands of visitors, especially families, who come to enjoy the spectacular light displays. On New Year’s Eve there is also a special fireworks display and entertainment.

The Fiesta was the brainchild of Te Rangi and his brother, the late Tama Huata, who founded the Kahurangi Māori Dance Theatre 40 years ago. The pair were touring North America with the dance troupe and were fortunate enough to experience a highly successful Festival of Lights on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

"

to “keep it simple,” Te Rangi says.

The first Fiesta was held in 1998 so they could trial the event and fix any issues before the Millennium. They started out with one light sculpture and a few thousand fairy lights. The event is for families so alcohol has always been prohibited. Entry in 1998 was a gold coin donation or a loaf of bread to be donated to the foodbank. However, after a week the foodbank asked them to stop the bread donations as they were receiving too much.

The public response was extremely favourable so they continued to run the Fiesta and decided they’d stop when people stopped attending, but they didn’t. Twentyfive years later there are 56 light displays comprising over 350,000 lights. Lighting technology has changed over the years with

"

and changes have been made as a result.

Changing the time of the fireworks display to earlier in the evening was one change brought about as a result of a survey.

Many exciting light installations are ideas suggested by children like frogs jumping off the lilies onto a tree and kiwi’s being tossed in a blanket.

There are no Santa’s or reindeers but dolphins, sheep and deer. The only seasonal display is a nativity scene. Te Rangi says the kids know what’s there and they return to look for something they remember.

Many visitors are returnees who had attended as children and had fond memories so they now attend with their children who in turn will take away fond memories of the experience.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary there

For more information and to purchase tickets online see www.fiestaoflights.co.nz

TOITŪ TE TIRITI

MERRY CHRISTMAS

from MANA AHURIRI TRUST AS WE MOVE INTO THE FESTIVE SEASON, LET’S BE SAFE, SPREAD KINDNESS, AND TAKE TIME TO EMBRACE UNITY AND INCLUSIVITY AND A BRIGHTER FUTURE WHERE ALL VOICES ARE HEARD.

MERI KIRIHIMETE KI A KOUTOU KATOA MAI I A MĀTOU O MANA AHURIRI TRUST. KIA HAUMARU TE NOHO Ā ĒNEI HARAREI KI Ō KOUTOU KAINGA MAHA.

Canine friends deliver Christmas joy D ogs kitted out in scarves, and more recently Christmas outfits, are bringing joy to the Hawke’s Bay elderly who have had to part ways with their canine friends. Nationwide not-for-profit Canine Friends Pet Therapy has teams of dogs and owners in Napier, CHB and Hastings who visit rest homes, Cranford Hospice, Hawke’s Bay Hos- pital and the region’s prison.

Canine Friends Pet Therapy Napier liaison officer, Leanne Harkness said her team has 15 members and the joy the dogs bring to the residents is so rewarding. “Many

residents have left their pets with family members and most residents remember their beloved canines from their younger years and love to share their stories with us.”

The therapy dogs can stay as long as elderly residents need to get their “doggie fix” and tend to sit beside residents, on their knees or on their beds, depending on whatever the residents like. Leanne said, “It’s about having that moment of calm with a dog that is loving and unjudging, many of the rest home staff and resident’s visitors enjoy having a big of dog love too.”

Village residents love the weekly visits from the Canine Friends team especially when its firm favourites Toby, a fox terrier cross and Sam, a border collie cross.

Napier’s Princess Alexandra Retirement

The charity was founded in 1990 by Lower Hutt dog breeder Eileen Curry, who

& % ! $ " " ' "

The dogs have been coming in for some time and actually recognise each resident and how they need to greet them, some with a gentle paw or the little dogs hop onto their laps. Leanne added that the retired farmers like Sam as they recognise him as a “proper working dog”. “Sam ignites memories, and we often hear past stories of their own farm dogs,” she said.

witnessed an elderly woman’s despair at having to part ways with her beloved dog when she moved into a retirement village.

Now, 33 years later, they have more than 500 members — human and canine — who visit people from all walks of life, on a rotation. The youngest member is 16-yearold Lauren Harkness, of Napier, while the oldest member is 96 years old and still visiting with her dog.

Another initiative of Canine Friends is its nationwide Children Reading to Dogs programmes. Leanne worked with Napier City Council to introduce it at the Taradale Library. It’s proving a great success.

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ith a combined 40 years of experience between them, Dave McGregor and Steve Humphreys are now back together running Hawkes Bay’s only exclusive Electric bike shop, Electrify NZ located in Taradale.

Well known in the local cycling community, Dave and Steve are both passionate e-bike riders and frequent the many fantastic cycle trails available in Hawke’s Bay. Having worked together in the past, the new team at Electrify are thrilled to be back together and excited to bring their combined knowledge to those in the community looking for advice when it comes to purchasing an e-bike.

As specialists in the field, the team at Electrify

are here to help people find the perfect electric bike to suit their individual needs. Whether it’s for commuting to work, exploring the local trails, or just looking for a fun and eco-friendly way to get around, Dave and Steve have got it covered.

They pride themselves on their service, and they’re dedicated to helping customers find the e-bike that’s just the right fit.

Considering that there are over 200kms worth of cycle trails within Hawke’s Bay, those who take the plunge won’t be getting bored any time soon. With the cooler months ahead Dave and Steve note that a key benefit of an e-bike is that it allows you to carry on with a ride without getting fatigued in windy conditions – particularly in those hilly locations.

It can be daunting when first looking to purchase an e-bike as there is such a wide range on the market. At Electrify, they stock a carefully curated selection of renowned e-bike brands including Smartmotion, Black, KTM, Whisper, Haibike – all of which have options for those just starting out on their e-bike journey.

Take the guesswork out of your decision and talk to an expert so you can ensure that you are getting the correct model for your personal situation. Visit Dave and Steve at 244 Gloucester St, Taradale, and experience the electrifying difference that Electrify NZ Hawkes Bay can make to your cycling journey.

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