It’s been a busy start to the year for our team, with the summer season keeping the people of Palmy entertained through a wide range of events. From high octane action at the ENZED Superstock Teams Champs weekend to a fun-filled family day for Explore Esplanade Day, Palmy has been buzzing.
New Years in the Square
We welcomed 2025 in style with 8,000 people gathering at Te Marae o Hine – The Square for a night of celebration. The event included performances from Lost Tribe Aotearoa and Lenny Pearce for a toddler rave DJ set. We celebrated with fireworks, a silent disco and a kids’ science zone. A live event screen even featured real-time messages from attendees, adding a personal touch to the night.
Lunar New Year
2,500 people joined us to celebrate the Lunar New Year, enjoying captivating cultural performances and a diverse array of traditional cuisine. One of the most important holidays celebrated in East and Southeast Asia, it was a colourful tribute to our multicultural community.
Waitangi Day
Palmy again commemorated Waitangi Day at Te Marae o Hine, in collaboration with Rangitanē o Manawatū. The event attracted 2,500 people and featured a showcase of local talent, headlined by the Tuari Brothers. A beautiful day of reflection, unity and culture.
Festival of Cultures
A celebration of diversity like no other. From 21-23 February, more than 15,000 attendees joined us for the iconic Festival of Cultures. The weekend kicked off with the Multicultural Carnival Parade, followed by Saturday’s World Food, Craft, and Music Fair, both at Te Marae o Hine. The celebration wrapped up on Sunday with the always-popular Teas and Coffees of the World at Caccia Birch House.
It was amazing to see so much involvement from the community, showcasing Palmy’s reputation as the most regionally diverse city in Aotearoa. A massive thanks to the Manawatū Multicultural Society for their continued partnership.
Esplanade Day
Victoria Esplanade came alive on 2 March as over 16,000 people flocked in for a sunny day full of family-friendly fun. With entertainment from Fairy Cat and Friends, Andrew Wilson Magician, DanceWorks, Palmerston North Knights and much more, attendees were spoilt for choice at the biggest family day on the Palmy calendar.
ENZED Superstock Team Champs
Palmy’s biggest weekend of motorsport roared to life with 16,000 fans packing in each night at Central Energy Trust Arena. It was another thrilling edition of this iconic event.
Volleyball Nationals + Beats and Bites
Palmy welcomed 200 teams and over 2,500 competitors and officials for the NZ School Volleyball Championships in March. With an estimated $4.2 million economic benefit to the region, the city was buzzing with activity. We also hosted the Beats and Bites event at Te Marae o Hine to welcome all competitors, staff and their whānau into the city.
Festival of Colours
On Friday 21 March, Te Marae o Hine was transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour as 2,000 attendees celebrated the Festival of Colours. The holi-inspired event was a hit with all who came down to share joy, throw some paint, and enjoy the tunes from Dj Dfresh.
