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Home / The Country

First Light Sunflower farm opens with family fun and Starship support

Wynsley Wrigley
Central government, local government and health reporter·Gisborne Herald·
16 Dec, 2025 11:00 PMQuick Read

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Hannah and Henry Witters invite the public to enjoy the family-orientated fun activities at their First Light Sunflower Farm. Sunflower purchases will result in a donation being made to Starship Hospital.

Hannah and Henry Witters invite the public to enjoy the family-orientated fun activities at their First Light Sunflower Farm. Sunflower purchases will result in a donation being made to Starship Hospital.

Everyone loves sunflowers.

The large bright yellow heads symbolise summer, joy and fun.

That is the aim of Henry and Hannah Witters when they open their First Light Sunflower farm just outside Gisborne on Friday to Sunday this week, and for a short period over the December-January holiday period.

The location at 273 Harpers Rd is perfect for kids and families to enjoy face-painting, the bouncy castle, a large swing, a coffee cart selling fresh orange juice by the glass or bottle, and spectacular sunset photo sessions with professional photographers.

“We are trying to create something that is fun, is different, but is not too expensive,” Henry Witters said.

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Cut flowers are available for sale, with 1$ from each sale being donated to Starship Hospital.

Witters said he and Hannah both knew people who had received treatment at Starship, and they were glad to be giving back to the community.

Witters said the farm would be open from Friday to Sunday (9am to 5pm), possibly on December 22, 23 and Boxing Day, and from Thursday to Sunday for much of January.

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He said the plan was to make it an annual event.

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