ArtBeat features a diverse range of musicians, such as Mermaid Bait performing in Whangārei in 2024. Photo / NZME
A creative weekend bonanza in Northland is being heralded as an example of the region’s vibrant cultural sector.
Major events include the first ArtBeat in Dargaville, Opera in the Garden in Waipu Cove and Relay for Life in Whangārei, all taking place on Saturday.
Other events include Taste Whangārei – Multicultural Food Fair on Friday evening, Whānau at the Falls in Tikipunga on Saturday afternoon and a live dairy day at the Jack Morgan Museum in Hūkerenui.
But while multiple events mean there will be something for everyone, some organisers say big events are competing for both performers and audiences.
Olivia Garelja, chief executive of Creative Northland, which runs ArtBeat, says the number of events highlights how Northland’s creative and cultural sector has grown to become forefront in the community.
“Rather than worrying about overlap, it speaks to the richness of creativity in our region and the many ways communities are choosing to come together.”
Several thousand people are expected to take part in ArtBeat, which is recognised as Northland’s largest art festival, she says.
After 28 years in Whangārei, the event is moving to Kaipara for the first time to increase access to arts and culture in Northland’s rural areas, says event lead Jo Roberts.
The free festival has a strong emphasis on participation, with workshops, installations and interactive activities included alongside live performances and visual arts.
It will be held at Dargaville Riverside Gardens from 10am to 2pm.
Garelja says moving ArtBeat around strengthens local capability in both talent and event organisation, and it could move to a different town in 2027.
Opera North musical director Maria Satterfield says March is a beautiful time of year to hold outdoor events.
But some musicians had to make hard decisions about where they perform, while others are spreading themselves around, such as playing at Relay for Life in the morning and Opera in the Garden in the afternoon, she says.
“There are so few opportunities for classical musicians and to have this clash was unfortunate from that perspective.”
Satterfield says it would be good to have an events planning calendar for Northland, so event organisers can ensure there aren’t overlaps.
She describes Opera in the Garden as a relaxed, all-Northland affair featuring world-class musicians and soloists.
It will be held at Tahamoana Angora Goat Farm in Waipu Cove, which has a natural amphitheatre, ocean views, and good parking and facilities, she says.
Having previously run in the Glenbervie garden of late singing teacher Joan Kennaway, Opera in the Garden moved to Tahamoana for the first time last year.
It will run 1pm to 4pm, with tickets available from Eventfinda.
Anna Moreton from the Cancer Society Auckland Northland agrees it would be good to have a planning calendar so Northland events don’t clash.
The Relay for Life is a fundraiser for the Cancer Society’s $22.5 million lodge being built in Whangārei, as well as a chance to celebrate those who have fought cancer and remember those who have died.
Because cancer doesn’t stop, teams will go around the track non-stop for 12 hours, passing a symbolic baton of support, Moreton says.
More than 600 people have registered as fundraisers, with a further 200 volunteering, performing or taking part in a cancer survivor celebration, she says.
With limited volunteers, Moreton says the overlap is unfortunate.
“It’s amazing that our community has so much to offer people but it’s a shame it’s on the same weekend.”
Relay for Life will be held at Trigg Sports Arena, Kensington, from 10am to 10pm.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.