First Hutt Winter Festival inspires creative communities
The first Hutt Winter Festival ignited creativity and collaboration between over 35 cultural and community groups, 502
participants and over 1,500 attendees, in this first 10-day winter celebration of the Hutt, presented by Hutt City
Council in creative partnership with Barbarian Productions.
Jo Randerson, Barbarian’s creative Director, said, “Our vision for this festival was to champion the creative spirit of
Hutt communities, and we were overwhelmed by the colour and life that families brought to our workshops and events. The
valley was buzzing with people learning together and having fun.”
Popular events included Naenae Clubhouse’s fun interactive storytelling bike tour – Illuminating Naenae, Te Rangatahi
Learning Centre’s popular 1930s inspired pop up Al Capone’s Soup Kitchen at Holy Trinity Church in Wainuiomata, the
beautiful craft and art on show at Te Maori, Waiwhetu as part of the Te Raukura Exhibition, and the six winter workshops
that saw families learning a new instrument, creating poi, or crafting with clay and stars.
Councillor Michael Lulich, Chair of Council’s Arts and Culture Subcommittee said, “I was really impressed to see the
creativity bursting out across the whole of Lower Hutt, from Wainuiomata to the western hills, and from the North East
to Petone beach. I loved the events I attended!”
The festival was produced with the generous support of sponsors, hard- working volunteers, interns, community groups and
the people of Lower Hutt who wrapped up warm and came out to play.
If you missed anything in the festival you can visit the Hutt Winter Festival Facebook page at
facebook.com/huttwinterfest to see the photos and watch the videos made by the Taita Clubhouse film crew.
ENDS