Published in: Kokiri Issue 21 - Kohi-tātea - Hui-tanguru 2011
If you visited Hastings during the Christmas season you might have visited the Fiesta of Lights held at the Hawke’s Bay A & P Showgrounds. The event’s a light extravaganza organised by Te Rangi Huata of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated with support from Te Puni Kōkiri Takitimu. Last year’s fiesta offered a drive-thru wonderland of light sculptures dancing in sync to music. Around 500,000 sparkling lights covered the lake-side trees. Other sights included diving penguins, jumping fish, spurting whales and a host of colourful sea creatures amidst thousands of dancing fairy lights. The roadway was lined with NZ flora and fauna in light including: pohutukawa and silver ferns surrounding Maui and his brothers capturing the sun. During peak times it took up to 15 minutes to get in.