Art Deco ambassador impressed with event

Jack Halpin of Taradale was the winner of the open final - Soap Box Derby in Tennyson St, Napier at the Tremains Art Deco Weekend. Photo/Duncan Brown

The Tremains Art Deco Weekend has been a success, according to the event's first official ambassador, actor Shane Cortese.

Mr Cortese said his expectations had been exceeded. "This is a remarkable thing - just the way everyone embraces it and becomes part of it."

He said a walk through the central city on last night and first thing this morning was especially memorable for the number of young people he saw who had dressed for the occasion.

"Kids in their shorts and braces and things - they are respecting history here and that is so great to see."

He also got a buzz from the soapbox derby.

"They're not backyard little carts...they are the Formula One of race carts...some great designs."

He had money on a cart in the shape of a wine bottle...which came second.

Hawke's Bay Tourism manager Annie Dundas said Hawke's Bay Tourism and the Art Deco Trust had been working together to promote Art Deco Weekend both internationally and within New Zealand and Mr Cortese's involvement would help achieve that.

The event began on Friday night with an 'Opening Soiree' in the new MTG Hawke's Bay foyer and paved patio, and then a concert and words of welcome at the Sound Shell.

"It was a very special way to get things started," Art Deco Trust general manager Sally Jackson said.
"We are looking every year to try something new - to make things a little different - to keep working on it."

Another highlight of the event was yesterday's parade through the Napier CBD with temperatures exceeding thirty degrees and blue skies. The parade, led by Napier Mayor Bill Dalton and other dignitaries, included soldiers, police officers, bands and many vintage cars, some carrying the slogan "I survived the 1931 Hawke's Bay Earthquake".
Art Deco continued today with a number of events including the Gatsby Picnic.