Will you be a lucky shopper? Time to have fun shopping and partying in Upper Hutt.
Join Santa after the Upper Hutt Christmas Parade on Sunday for a Merry Movie Christmas at Expressions Whirinaki.
This year the Professionals Recreation Hall will be transformed into a movie-inspired world filled with Christmas movies, Disney characters and loads of Christmas cheer.
Visitors will be able to dress up and have their photo taken with Santa holding an Oscar, have their face painted as their favourite movie character, make some Christmas crafts and soak up the sights and sounds of the season with music and other treats.
Some of the acts include Enchanted Entertainment, who bring Disney characters to life for events so Ariel, Tinkerbell, Jake the Pirate and Elsa will be performing for the children.
The Hollywoods will perform classic Christmas carols aimed at family audiences and Soul City Church will be there doing face painting.
As part of the movie theme, old fashioned Christmas movies will be playing with free popcorn available. The whole area will be transformed with large Christmas trees into an Hollywood Christmas scene with lots of hands on activities and things to make and do.
The main attraction will be the photo with Santa, with dress-ups provided and by partnering with the Amazing Travelling Photo Booth visitors will be able to have their photo taken and then take it home with them.
Expressions director Leanne Wickham said the annual celebration was funded by Upper Hutt City Council and Pelrous Trust.
"This way the people of Upper Hutt can celebrate Christmas together after the parade, for free, in a fun and family friendly environment, making a day of it."
Residents can also have fun shopping as Upper Hutt's Lucky Christmas Shopper prize pool is back and even bigger. than ever this year.
The prize pool includes a 32" Panasonic TV, a four-person, two-room tent, beauty and hair products, fishing gear, a gingerbread house, books, art works; gift baskets, and loads of gift vouchers.
"Previous years' winners have been absolutely delighted with the selection of goods and vouchers they have won right before Christmas," council retail coordinator Sarah Garnham said. "Some winners gift their winnings to family and friends, while others head into town for a shopping spree."
Shoppers who spend $10 or more in a participating store can receive an entry form. Four lucky shoppers will be drawn on December 21, and will each receive a share of the $10,000 prize pool.
* Lucky Shopper terms and conditions, along with a list of participating stores, can be found online
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84% Yes
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14.7% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
Spring gardening tips
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.
Click read more for more information.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
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