The sun came out and greeted the community for a fun-filled day at Parnell Festival of Roses 2023, which attracted 7,000 attendees.
The festival is fully funded by Waitematā Local Board and is the board’s signature annual event.
Board chair, Genevieve Sage says: “We’re proud to enable and empower this brilliant event to coincide year-on-year with the blooming of the roses.”
People of all ages moved to the beat during free workshops in Indian dance and Zumba.
Four hundred trees were given away in support of the urban ngāhere strategy. Locals also walked away with complimentary potted colour, and plants they had traded at the festival’s first ever cutting swap.
The market was buzzing with some organised shoppers taking the opportunity to get a few Christmas presents sorted early, with over 40 market stalls to browse.
Once again, the festival was very much a family-friendly event. “It was wonderful to see so many families out and about enjoying the beautiful well-preserved gardens,” says Waitematā local Rose Swale.
“There was great entertainment, delicious food stalls and a really great market, where I picked up a new house plant. We're lucky to have such excellent family-friendly community events to bring people together and encourage people to explore different parts of the city.”
The Saving Hope Foundation had puppies for adoption
Animal lovers delighted in petting goats and checking out the Saving Hope Foundation’s puppies for adoption. Canine family members also had plenty of fun attending the festival on their leashes.
The board would like to thank all those who attended.
“Thank you to our communities and public, for whom this festival is for, and without whom this festival would not exist,” says Genevieve.
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