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Gloomy weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm of more than 560 people who took part in the 2025 Point Wells Homes & Gardens Tour for Harbour Hospice last month.
Ticketholders were able to look around 12 of the coastal community’s most spectacular homes and gardens, as well as enjoy coffee, food, raffles, and stalls selling plants, clothing and gift items at a ‘hospice hub’ in Point Wells Hall, which was open to the wider public as well.
The event raised an impressive $80,000 for Hospice, which fundraising and business development specialist Emily Thomas said would make “a very real difference” to the many patients and families cared for by the Warkworth/Wellsford facility.
“We saw lots of smiling faces and there was a real feeling of connectiveness, despite the rain,” she said.
“People really enjoyed themselves and came away with lots of ideas and inspiration for their own homes and gardens. The fact the event sold out with several weeks to spare is a real testament to the community spirit, support and generosity towards Harbour Hospice in the local region.”
Thomas said Hospice was grateful to the homeowners who had opened up their properties, as well as principal partners Bayleys in the North and Jodi Sterling from Bayleys Matakana Coast.
She also thanked a list of local sponsors who “went above and beyond”, including Mason Containers, Rochford Landscapes and Northland Waste Warkworth, plus Lisa Bindon from Flora Flowers, who donated hundreds of plants and seedlings and all proceeds from selling them, Warkworth Butchery for donating the takings from its barbecue, and Wildly, Madly, Deeply for creating floral arrangements for each open home free of charge.
“I’d like to say a very big thank you to all those who were part of the day. It takes the combined efforts of so many to bring an event like this to life,” Thomas said. “We look forward to doing it all again next year.”
