Events
Sounds on the Sand
Kick back and relax and enjoy some summer entertainment at Ōpunakē Beach. Pack a picnic, or grab some food from the campsite shop, and bring the whole family down for an afternoon of music. Sounds on the Sand happens every January with a different performer each time. We hope to see you next time!
Movies in the Park
We bring your favourite new and old movies to the big screen in Eltham. Each year the local community votes on what movies we screen to the public, and each year they do a fantastic job. Each night we have an early and a late screening time to accommodate everyone. Free entry for all, food trucks, sausage sizzle and popcorn available to purchase to complete the ultimate movie watching experience.
Concerts in the Park
One of our biggest events on the calendar is Concerts in the Park. Held in Hāwera’s beautiful King Edward Park every January to celebrate summer. Popular New Zealand musicians take the stage to entertain, with past acts including The Waratahs, The Feelers, Mitch and his guitar, Frankie Stevens and many more. With something for everyone Concerts in the Park is the ultimate family night out. Food trucks, bouncy castles and live music! We are proud to announce our headline act for Concerts in the Park 2024 will be kiwi Icon Tiki Taane.
AmeriCARna
Each day the Americarna Vehicles cruise in convoy to different destinations and stop for a display in each town. South Taranaki is lucky enough to have two stops during this week-long classic car extravaganza. The first stop is on the 3rd Wednesday of February at Ōpunakē Beach for the Beach Hop where you’re treated to incredible views, a variety of food and live music. Later in the week the classic vehicles stop at Hawera for the Acceleration Display. The Hāwera town square and main street are filled with beautiful shops, cafes and entertainment. Live music and stalls fill the town square for all to enjoy. Our businesses love to get involved and dress up their window displays to be on theme with AmeriCARna.
Happening Holidays - School Holiday Programme
South Taranaki Happening Holidays is the place to go for activities for your tamariki in the school holidays. Sports, art and culture are all covered in the various options available. Every April, July and September Holidays we put together this calendar of events to make sure your kids are keeping busy during their school break. We offer a range of free and low-cost opportunities throughout the 2-week period. You can pick up a hard copy of the program at your local LibraryPlus, TSB Hub or South Taranaki i-Site and Visitors centre.
Water Tower Night Climb
It’s said to be the best view in town, and we would have to agree! We open up the historic Hāwera water tower only a few times a year in May and July at night-time. Guided by a flashlight, climb the 215 stairs to the top of the tower to see what all of the fuss is about. Keep up-to-date with our events calendar to see when the next night viewing is scheduled. If the weather plays ball, you’ll be able to see Mt Taranaki at night to make the climb extra special.
Arts on Tour
Here at the South Taranaki District Council, we love supporting our small towns. That is why every year we get a special performance provided by the Arts on Tour foundation up on stage at the Kakaramea Hall. Locals and out of towners come along for a night of live music and nibbles. This year we are delighted to have the wonderful duo ‘Looking for Alaska” join us. This year's show is on 8 August, tickets will go on sale beginning of July.
Ben Hurley Comedy Show
Local comedy legend Ben Hurley loves coming back to his hometown Hāwera. We he comes back he brings some pretty funny friends with him too. Lucky for us we get a world class comedy show right here in our backyard. Hurley, best known for his TV appearances on shows such as 7 Days and The Project, says he looks forward to hosting a comedy event at home in South Taranaki year after year. This year we are bringing the show to the Eltham Town Hall and the Hāwera Memorial theatre. Tickets are limited and will go on sale in July. This year's shows are in Eltham on 18 August and Hāwera on 19 August. This is a great night out with friends, R18 only.
Elektra
Friday Night Fever takes over Hāwera’s King Edward Park for South Taranaki’s annual fire and light festival, Elektra. Get the family together to stroll through the Park decorated with lights, groovy disco balls and flower power. The crowds are well fed and entertained with a range of foods, the famous graphic poi and fire shows from Highly Flammable and the musical stylings of Mitch and his Guitar on the main stage. This family-friendly event has plenty especially for the kids as well with a circus play zone, where children can learn skills including spinning plates, juggling, hoop, and poi with Circus in a Flash Entertainment. This event happens every September just before daylight savings changes over.
Arts in the Park
Arts in the Park is our Districts largest outdoor arts and crafts festival. It happens on the first Saturday of December each year at Hāwera’s King Edward Park (the TSB Hub If wet). Always well attended people flock to this event to shop for Christmas, see local artisans and their handmade work, as well as take advantage of the food trucks. With over 150 stallholders registered each year we have artists travelling from near and far. Registrations for this event open in October, be sure to secure your spot when they do so.
Christmas Cabaret
A time to eat, drink and be merry- without needing to head out of town. South Taranaki District council puts on this event as an end of year celebration for friends, family and workplaces. Each year the show takes on a different theme, so the show is never the same. A Christmas buffet with all the trimmings Is included in the cost of your ticket. Live entertainment throughout, including interactive performances, Drag queens and showgirls. The night ends with a DJ allowing you to dance the night away.
