Lanterns light up Kaiwaka

Kaiwaka, known as the ‘little town of lights’, will sparkle more brightly on June 20 during a Lantern Parade, part of the town’s 150th celebrations.

Organisers hope visitors will join residents for the procession, which will start from Kaiwaka Primary School, on the Kaiwaka/Mangawhai Rd, at 5.30pm. The lantern parade will make its way to the nearby Kaiwaka Sports Association where there will be a bonfire, storytelling and the ritualistic roasting of marshmallows.

Coordinator Jude Bishop says lantern making workshops have been held at the playcentre and school, and a community workshop will be held at the hall on June 13, from 10am to 4pm so people can come whenever convenient.

“We’re sure the lanterns are going to make a terrific spectacle and it should be a lot of fun to watch,” she says.

Kaiwaka’s reputation as the town of lights started in 1997 when the church was adorned with ‘angel’ lights. Since then many businesses have followed suit producing a large sailing ship, motorbike, scissors, sawmill, post box, and fireman’s ladder.

Preparations are well underway for the Kaiwaka Lantern Parade this month, part of the town’s 150th celebrations. Pictured at a lantern-making workshop at Kaiwaka School are, from front, Brighdon Robson, Celia Bailey, Geri Webb and Divaataahua Ratu.