Sign In / Register
Warkworth’s much-loved Kowhai Festival will return to near full strength this year, celebrating its 53rd event on Saturday October 18, under the theme ‘Discover & Celebrate Local’.
The event is New Zealand’s second longest-running community and family festival.
After regrouping post-covid with a smaller format, this year’s festival will once again stretch the full length of Queen, Kapanui and Baxter Streets, hosting no fewer than 170 stall sites, including spaces for local community groups and 14 food stalls by the river. All craft stalls have already sold out, with around two-thirds of total sites booked so far.
Entertainment will be a major drawcard, with the Riverside Stage hosting live acts and a Community Stage near Lucy Moore Park featuring Warkworth’s Got Talent, an open opportunity for budding musicians and performers to “have a go”.
The market will run from 9am to 4pm, while Wharf Street will come alive from 11am to 9pm with music, wine and food stalls.
However, organisers stress the festival’s success depends on community support.
Festival patron Dave Parker says volunteer numbers have been dwindling, a trend affecting many local events and organisations.
“Without this help, we may well see more and more volunteer groups go into recess,” he says. “That would be a very sad reflection on our community.
“It’s a chance for students to develop leadership, discipline and confidence – and for newcomers or retirees to contribute a few hours and feel part of something bigger.”
Parker, who has been involved in local volunteering for more than 60 years, says the rewards are immense.
“As a young fella, the community looked after me. All I wanted to do was repay those organisations. It’s a privilege to serve, and I encourage anyone to step forward, whatever your skill or interest.”
Volunteers can register via www.kowhaifestival.co.nz or contact Dave Parker directly on 027 484 9935.
