Streets light up into wonderland

For 12 years Tremains Christmas Lights have turned the streets of Napier, Hastings and Havelock North into a festive winter wonderland. Once the sun goes down and the fairy lights turn on, a magical streetscape appears.

Lighting up other people's lives is all thanks to a big effort from the community and the support of Tremains.

For a gold-coin donation people can book tickets to climb aboard a double decker bus and view the dazzling displays. Last year 71 residences took part.

Managing director Simon Tremain said if people wanted to get involved this year, they needed to have their nominations in and their lights up by November 30, when it then became "a bit of a challenge to get the properties on to a map and back out into the community by December 1".

Tremains general manager Fraser Holland said the light spectacular gave people a real buzz - for families and retired folk in particular.

"It's all about the community and quite a simple thing to do for other people," he said. "When you see people outside houses, singing carols and handing out lollies, all the woes disappear and it's all just good Christmas spirit."

Every year some streets excelled, in particular McNaughton Place in Onekawa, Oxford St in Taradale and Palmbrook Ave in Havelock North. Those areas had been traditionally strong, Mr Holland said. He would like to see more streets involved, especially the communities of Maraenui in Napier South, and Raureka and Parkvale in Hastings.

The event became more popular each year, even though there was no prize for the winner.

"We reward multiple homes with Christmas hams and treats leading up to Christmas," Mr Holland said.

"Most people do it for their neighbours and community - and the feel-good factor."

Entry details

Entries close on November 30. People must register their home for inclusion on the Christmas Lights Map by filling in an entry form - available from any Tremains Real Estate office or via the website www.tremains.co.nz - and returning it.

On December 1 the lights will turn on. Maps will be available from Tremains' website or offices and the Classic Hits website. Maps will also be published in the Napier Courier and Hastings Leader in early December.

Tickets can be booked at any Tremains office to reserve seats on the bus for a gold-coin donation. Buses will leave from the Tremains office in Napier or Havelock North from December 6.