Latest news with #FlorinePotts
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Culture Feast in finals for national awards
The Hokonui Culture Feast has been named a finalist in the 2025 New Zealand Event Association (NZEA) Awards. The Culture Feast is a finalist in the Food, Beverage or Lifestyle Event of the Year category. It was the only Southland event to make this year's honours roll, the Gore District Council said in a press release. The council's events co-ordinator Florine Potts said making the finals was recognition of the event's outstanding contribution to community celebration, cultural inclusivity and regional pride. Now in its 10th year, the Mataura Valley Milk Hokonui Culture Feast had grown from humble beginnings in 2015 into a cornerstone of the council's events calendar. It celebrated the district's cultural diversity through international cuisine, traditional performances and inclusive activities for all ages, she said. This year's event featured 30 food vendors representing 22 different cuisines, live music, dance and interactive children's activities such as origami and lolly-lei making — all delivered with a warm Southern welcome. Ms Potts acknowledged the community's passion and teamwork in making the Culture Feast such a celebrated success. "This event is a celebration of everything that makes Gore great — our diversity, our inclusiveness, and our small-town determination to put on an event that could rival any big city. "We're thrilled to see the Culture Feast recognised on the national stage." The 2024 event achieved several significant milestones. These included a record-breaking attendance of about 1800 people, a 50% increase from the previous year. Strong community partnerships had been critical in keeping the event free and accessible to all, Ms Potts said. Ms Potts said the council was proud to provide a free, family-friendly event to celebrate the 45 ethnicities that call the district home. "The culture feast showcases the cultures that make up our community in a way that's authentic and deeply inclusive. "It's a real credit to our community groups and sponsors who help bring it to life," she said. The NZEA Awards celebrate excellence across the events sector, recognising creativity, innovation, and positive impact. Winners will be announced at the NZEA Awards Gala evening on September 2 at the Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton. — APL
Otago Daily Times
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Matariki celebrations return to mark occasion
Kāhui Whetū will be held at the Gore Gardens on June 19, from 5-9pm. PHOTO: THE ENSIGN FILES The stars will once again shine brightly in the Gore Gardens as the community comes together to celebrate the Māori New Year later this month. Kāhui Whetū refers to the stars as a gathering of the people of the land, and the Gardens will be transformed by a dazzling light display for Matariki. Gore District Council events co-ordinator Florine Potts said in a statement the event has grown rapidly year by year. "This year promises to be bigger and better than ever, bringing back old faves and mixing in fresh new bits to surprise even our biggest fans," Ms Potts said. Thanks to support from Mercury, the iconic giant tipi will offer a warm and inviting space for people to come together. This year, it will also serve as a hub for learning about Matariki and its rich history, she said. "Of course, Kāhui Whetū wouldn't be complete without Stella the Glow Fairy. "She'll be back, joined by a sparkling lineup of entertainers, including a glowing princess and even a fire performer." Two neon face-painters, live waiata from Emmy Rodrique and Maia Fletcher and the cosy indoor dining space made possible by a third year of support from Community Trust South, while the talented team at Gravity Events will once again transform the Gore Gardens into a glittering display of lights and colour, she said. "This free, family-friendly event is definitely worth the trip to Gore. "Whether it's going to be a chilly day or just a perfect winter evening, there'll be cosy spots and heaps of delicious food to enjoy, making it the ideal treat." Kāhui Whetū will be held at the Gore Gardens on June 19, from 5-9pm.
Otago Daily Times
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Chill no deterrent to school buskers
Schools in Gore, including St Mary's School (pictured), gathered up their very best songbirds and hit the streets, singing and performing for the hundreds of people who came out to support them or just found themselves in the middle of a bit of musical wonder last Thursday. PHOTO: GERRIT DOPPENBERG Thursday's weather at the "Freeze Ya Bits Off" busking competition in Gore helped the annual event live up to its name, with chilly temperatures making it a real test for the buskers. But that did not prevent the event attracting a big turnout of people to watch the local schools perform. The buskers' festival is a four-day extravaganza, as musicians spill on to the streets of Gore for honour, glory, and, of course, coins. On Thursday, the event began with local high school and primary school choirs leading the way with their performances and choreography. Gore District Council events co-ordinator Florine Potts called it a fantastic start. "It went really, really well. We had such a great turnout today with both students and supporters." She said over 500 people came out to watch the various schoolchildren sing along to hit classics. "Quite a few people who were walking stopped and listened, too. It was really great." Last year, the schools portion of the buskers' event was canned due to a teachers only day, but this year everything was in harmony, including the weather, even if it was a bit cool. Waikaka School took the big win, $500, a trophy for its efforts and a spot to perform in the final busking auditions on Sunday. Mataura Primary won $250 for second place. Ms Potts said it was a tough competition, the schools having brought their very best to the streets of Gore. Other busking winners Winners in other categories were: Upcoming artist 21 and over: Joven Palomares. Runner-up: Cameron Dixon Upcoming artist 15-20: The Connor Boys. Runner-up: Sometimes Never Upcoming artist under 14: Liam Keating. Runner-up: Lexia Virtuoso unplugged: Rufous Whistler. Runner-up: Jon Collins Virtuoso plugged: Father & Son. Runner-up: James Stent
Otago Daily Times
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Chill no deterrent to busking songbirds from schools
Schools in Gore gathered up their very best songbirds and hit the streets, singing and performing for the hundreds of people who came out to support them or just found themselves in the middle of a bit of musical wonder yesterday. Pictured: Singers from St Mary's School. PHOTO: GERRIT DOPPENBERG Yesterday's weather at the "Freeze Ya Bits Off" busking competition in Gore helped the annual event live up to its name, with chilly temperatures making it a real test for the buskers. But that did not prevent the event attracting a big turnout of people to watch the local schools perform. The buskers' festival is a four-day extravaganza, with musicians piling on to the streets of Gore for honour, glory, and, of course, coins. Yesterday, the event began with local high school and primary school choirs leading the way with their performances and choreography. Gore District Council events co-ordinator Florine Potts called it a fantastic start. "It went really, really well. We had such a great turnout today with both students and supporters." She said over 500 people came out to watch the various schoolchildren sing along to hit classics. "Quite a few people who were walking stopped and listened, too. It was really great." Last year, the schools portion of the buskers' event was canned due to a teachers only day, but this year everything was in harmony, including the weather, even if it was a bit cool. Waikaka School took the big win, $500, a trophy for its efforts and a spot to perform in the final busking auditions on Sunday. Mataura Primary won $250 for second place. Ms Potts said it was a tough competition, the schools having brought their very best to the streets of Gore. "It all sounded really good. I loved how much effort the schools put into learning dances. "I saw a lot of country hats — they absolutely brought out their best," she said. Next for the busking competition are the audition rounds, for top local and national street musicians, who flock on to the streets to perform. The event wraps up on Sunday with the finale, where the top performers compete for cash prizes while being judged by professionals and the public. Performances are judged on musical talent, stage presence and audience engagement.
