Hawke’s Bay Garden Affair raises $100,000 for Riding for the Disabled

Tuki Tuki Homestead was one of the 25 gardens featured in the Garden Affair. Photo/ Steve Brown

The Hawke’s Bay Garden Affair has sown strong roots in its first year, raising $100,000 for Riding for the Disabled in Hastings and Napier.

The three-day event, held from November 7 to 9, brought about 1800 people to more than 25 gardens across the region showcasing a mix of small urban permaculture gardens, country estates and historic homes.

Visitors travelled from around New Zealand, including Dunedin, the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Coromandel, Waikato, Wellington, Taranaki, Manawatū and Wairarapa.

“We had so much positive feedback from our visitors,” spokeswoman Karen Walker said.

“They enjoyed being able to chat to the home owners to ask questions about plants and design choices.”

Walker and her husband, event chairman Paul Bolt, opened their own garden, The Old Farmhouse on Tukituki Rd, for the Garden Affair.

The three-day event attracted about 1800 visitors from across the country. Photo/ Steve Brown

“We had over 800 people come through our garden on Saturday alone,” Walker said.

She said the event aimed to reach gardeners of all ages and saw a strong turnout from younger visitors.

“We were keen to get the younger people, especially the 25- to 40-year-olds, engaged, which we were successful in doing,” Walker said.

Karen Walker and her husband, event chairperson Paul Bolt, at their garden, the Old Farmhouse on Tukituki Rd.

“It was great to see so many keen young people out and about getting inspiration for their green spaces.”

Visitors celebrating a 90th birthday under the wisteria tunnel at The Old Farmhouse: Janice, left, Jayne, Sammy-Jo and Suzy with the family's dog.

The festival also featured a special High Tea at Tree Guys Nursery in Ōtāne, giving visitors the option to add an extra experience to the self-guided garden trail.

Organised entirely by a volunteer committee of nine people, Walker said the festival was made possible by wide community support.

A visitor enjoying High Tea at Tree Guys Nursery. Photo / Steve Brown

“We were very grateful that a large number of local businesses supported this event, from our main named sponsors to many others who donated food, drinks, plants professional advice or their time giving talks at the Festival Hub.”

The event is scheduled to return in November 2027, running biennially.