Havelock North Metal Girls creating unique art

If there were ever two sisters doing it for themselves it has to be Katie Baptiste and Amy Lynch, otherwise known as the Metal Girls. The artists have recently opened a workshop, studio and gallery METcALfe Art at the former Te Mata Mushrooms site in Havelock North. They say they never intended to have a […]

Hawke’s Bay a hotbed for literary talent as multiple authors set to release novels

Wine region, fruit bowl and now literary hotbed? The Hawke’s Bay Readers and Writers Trust think so, as four of Hawke’s Bay’s top authors look to rapidly release new books in a short period and residencies and festivals loom. From gruesome murders to contemporary rom-com romps, a diverse range of literary delights from locals will […]

World-first Māori language festival welcomes all to Heretaunga

Heretaunga Hastings will host a world-first Māori language and culture festival, Toitū Te Reo, on August 8 and 9 this year. Based on the Welsh Eisteddfod festival, Toitū Te Reo is an opportunity for both fluent te reo speakers and people just beginning their te reo journey to gather with other speakers and ‘karawhiua’ – […]

Secluded piece of Hawke’s Bay farm earmarked for $40m film studio

A secluded piece of farmland near Te Awanga, Hawke’s Bay, has been chosen as the site for a proposed $40 million film studio development, which is said to have interest from Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard. Auckland-based company No.8 Studios Ltd. has lodged a resource consent application to build the studio on 24 hectares of […]

Collins Street Festival: Napier’s Boujee-ist New Street Party Set To Hit Ahuriri

Napier’s inaugural Collins Street Festival is set to hit Ahuriri, one of Hawke’s Bay’s coolest little suburbs, on Saturday 2nd March 2024. Nestled in a stretch of road behind the Urban Winery, this brand new festival showcases the best of what the region has to offer, bringing together the finest in local food, drinks and […]

Award-winning mural unveiled in Hastings by artist Stan Mans

Artist Stan Mans has unveiled his award-winning mural titled ‘Breath of Life’ in Hastings. Stan was one of ten winners from across the country who took out the top prize in Keep New Zealand Beautiful’s Resene Nature Mural Competition 2023. This is the third time Stan has placed in the competition, previously winning in both 2019 […]

Toitoi Wins Two National Industry Awards

Earlier this week Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre won two national event industry venue awards, in recognition of their commitment to the Hastings and Hawke’s Bay community, and its work towards creating career pathways in the events industry. It also included Toitoi’s efforts to use arts and entertainment events as a means […]

Hawke’s Bay film industry moves forward as community hub opens

Hawke’s Bay film industry has taken a big step forward with the opening of a community hub. The hub in central Hastings will focus on the local film industry. It is the official base for Eastern Screen Alliance, a regional film office and part of a national body, Regional Film Offices of New Zealand (RFONZ), […]

Squares set for summer fun

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 is a mini festival in the heart of Napier running from 1-8 December, with a different event – and a different summery vibe – on offer […]