This year marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Central Hawke's Bay township of Waipukurau and a packed calendar of events is planned to celebrate the milestone.
A community group, led by CHB district councillor Gerard Minehan, has been formed to organise the events marking the original purchase of the land by Henry Robert Russell who then established Waipukurau as a model village.
The events will largely take place over Labour Weekend and be built into the Central Hawke's Bay 'Spring Fling' programme to allow both local people and visitors to be involved in the occasion.
The celebrations officially kick off this Sunday at the Central Hawke's Bay Settlers Museum with the opening of a major exhibition 'Celebrating 150 years Waipukurau'.
The exhibition will run from March until October and the opening will also launch 'Fading Memories - Waipukurau - Our town in the 1920 - 1935 era', a book by the late J MacKenzie Hamlin.
Museum curator and manager Jana Uhlirova said the museum team was excited to be launching celebrations and giving the public a chance to share Waipukurau's rich and proud history.
The remaining events at Labour weekend will offer a range of free and paid events so people are able to get into the celebratory spirit.
A powhiri will be held at the Waipukurau Pa site near Russell Park for invited guests on Friday, October 20 to start the celebrations.
The evening will include a special reveal to celebrate, educate and acknowledge the Maori history of Waipukurau and this piece will then be gifted long term for the wider public to enjoy.
A free public parade through the main streets of Waipukurau on Saturday, October 21 will feature vintage vehicles and machinery, period costume and more and on Saturday evening Waipukurau Primary School are holding a gathering of past and present staff and students.
The evening will include cutting a centennial cake, drinks, nibbles and lots of laughter and reminiscing. More information about this event can be found at the school office.
To close the celebrations on Sunday, October 22, a special high tea will be hosted by the local 'Central Hawke's Bay Tea Party' ladies group on the front lawn of George and Beth Winlove's homestead at 19 Gaisford Tce.
The event will be used as an opportunity not only to mark the anniversary but also to fundraise for the Central Hawke's Bay Cancer Societey. Tickets will go on sale for this event closer to the time.
Mr Minehan said the diverse offering of events was a great way to celebrate Waipukurau's anniversary.
"We want to welcome the whole community to help in creating and celebrating 150 years history of Waipukurau and Waipukurau Primary School (1867 - 2017).
"We are keeping costs as low as we can, however, there are the usual costs involved in running events like these, and we welcome any person or business who would like to contribute to the celebrations to feel free to get in touch."
He thanked the people who had come on board so far giving their time, advice, donated goods and energy.
"We greatly appreciate all that people have done so far and look forward to celebrating 150 years both at this weekend's exhibition opening and book launch, and in October over Labour Weekend."