Council partners up with local communities to deliver festive events
This Christmas, the South Waikato District Council will work alongside a host of local community groups and businesses to deliver a programme of activities catering to communities across the District.
A range of events will be held in Tokoroa, Tīrau, Putāruru and Arapuni.
It will include the return of a Christmas Parade to Tokoroa for the first time since 2022, in addition to movies screenings, markets and the installation of giant Kirihimete (Christmas) trees in Tokoroa, Tīrau and Putāruru.
South Waikato Mayor Gary Petley said at a time when all Councils are feeling the pinch financially and having to consider the future of their role in large-scale public events, working alongside communities to deliver the programme this year was a hugely positive outcome.
“It’s certainly becoming increasingly difficult for Councils across the country to find the means to lead events like these but following productive discussions at a Local Services Committee in September, and an enthusiastic response from the community, it became clear that we would be able to get something going,” Petley said.
“Events like these which bring people together are an important part of forming a thriving and vibrant community, so we’re all pleased with this outcome.
“Special thanks go out to the South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services Trust, Pride in Putāruru, Tīrau Community Church, Tīrau Community Board, The Plaza Theatre, Arapuni Village Community Association, Arapuni Bowling Club and the generous support of local businesses.
The Event Girl, which is owned and operated by South Waikato District Council elected member Rebekah Garner, have donated their services free of charge for the programme.
To date, Council has raised $16,000 in sponsorship from local organisations, towards the operational costs of delivering the events, and is welcoming further contributions from local business.
A capital investment of $72,000 has also been put into installing permanent steel structures in Tokoroa’s Leith Place, Tīrau Community Church and the Garden of Memories in Putāruru, which will be available for the community to use going forward. This is being funded using existing budgets.
The steel structures will be used to hold the 10m high trees in the three towns, which have been provided free of charge (including transport) by Manulife Investment Management.
Any local businesses interested in supporting the events, or those wishing to be part of an event, can contact Council’s Event & Visitor Development Manager Sabeena Kapur on sabeena.kapur@southwaikato.govt.nz.
South Waikato Christmas schedule
Arapuni – Sunday 1 December
4pm-6pm | Free sausage sizzle at the Bowling Club
4pm | Games set up at the Bowling Club and Arapuni Hall, including ‘have a go at Bowls’, tables tennis and indoor pickleball
5.30pm | Spot prizes and special draw
Putāruru – Friday 6 December
6pm-7pm | Christmas Parade, starting at Glenshea Park – Bent Street – and along Princes Street and returning to Glenshea Park
7pm-9pm | Picnic at Glenshea Park, food stalls and music
9pm | Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Garden of Memories
Tokoroa – Saturday 7 December
Midday-6pm | Christmas Market on Roseberry Street organized by South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services Trust
7pm-7.45pm | Christmas Parade through Tokoroa CBD
7pm-10pm | Night Market at Leith Place
8pm | Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Leith Place
Tīrau – Sunday 8 December
Midday-6pm | Tīrau Pool open with free entry and a free sausage sizzle (from 4pm)
6pm-7.45pm | Free Christmas Movie screening of Home Alone at the Tīrau War Memorial Hall (doors open at 5.40pm, movie begins at 6.00pm). Snacks and drinks will be available to purchase from the Tīrau Youth Group (cash only)
8pm | Lighting of the Christmas Tree at the Tīrau Community Church lawn, featuring a special appearance from Santa
