Laura Vodanovich
Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending two key functions that launch the Art Deco Festival.
Early in the morning an invited group met at Port Ahuriri to tour three waka.
We're lucky to have a number of kaumoana (waka crews) from all over the Pacific in town for Te Herenga Waka Festival ahead of Te Matatini next week.
It's really interesting to get more of an understanding about the making, sailing and navigating of these ocean voyaging waka.
They're truly wonderful vessels and a labour of love for the crew that operate them. If you haven't been to see them I highly recommend having a walk along the wharf even if just to view - it's an opportunity that won't come around often.
The actual purpose, however, was to join the official powhiri marking the start of Art Deco.
The powhiri was in the Napier Sailing Club and this year was opened up for general attendance.
A wonderful idea and I commend Ngati Kahungunu for being so open and generous. It can be challenging for some non-Maori (whether New Zealanders or from overseas) to know how to take part in Maori culture and this was a perfect occasion to open the doors wide and let everyone in.
Last night was the glitz and glam event with the opening soiree held here at MTG Hawke's Bay Museum.
This is one of the main events of the festival and the first official occasion for people to show off their glad rags. As always the charm and grace of Art Deco fashion came to the fore and it was a truly lovely event enjoyed by all.
Also yesterday, Jess Mio, art curator at the museum, gave a talk on the development of New Zealand's unique domestic Art Deco architecture.
Accompanied by finger food and followed by discussion and a look through our Speedlines and Ziggurats exhibition, this event was thoroughly enjoyed by our guests.
One attendee remarked that they wish they'd heard Jess' talk before their drive through Marewa, because it gave them greater insight and appreciation of the homes.
There are self-guide tour maps to take away in our exhibition, and many who attended are planning to go to Marewa and look again through the lens of new knowledge.
There's much more happening here at the museum over the Deco festival.
The cabaret show Cole has been on at the Century Theatre for the last two nights and was a smash hit.
We've also been running tours of the earthquake gallery since Thursday - the last tour is today at 11am (free with museum entry).
And tonight we have the New Zealand Male Choir performing from 4pm, followed by the Kumeu Vintage Brass Band at 6.30pm. Limited tickets are still available for both events and can be bought through Ticketek or at the Art Deco Trust. Door sales will be available if any seats are left.
Despite the somewhat soggy start to the festival there was certainly no dampening of spirits and I've no doubt this year will live up to the rest, with this spectacular festival continuing to grow.
Whatever you do, and however you choose to engage in Art Deco, I hope you have a fabulous time and enjoy one of the truly special treasures that this region has to share.
• Laura Vodanovich is the director of the Museum Theatre Gallery (MTG) Hawke's Bay.