The Taieri Network committee’s enthusiasm for the festive season is a big driver behind A Very Taieri Christmas, a series of free events assisted by a DCC Community Events Grant allocated last month.

‘A Very Taieri Christmas’ coordinator and Taieri Network committee member, Sam Graf, says, “We wanted to our passion for Christmas to help reunite the area after COVID. Over the last couple of years, for many reasons, COVID prevented celebrations like lighting the Christmas tree.”

The events are designed to accessible to all people so they can celebrate without the added strain of paying.

By the time you read this, the first events will have taken place. On 1 December, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Anzac Park with bands, carol singing and children’s entertainment was timed to coincide with a retailers shopping night. A Santa’s Grotto will liven up the former Post Office space on Mosgiel’s main street.

“Mosgiel Rotary Club fundraised for a tree and decorations and other people from the community contributed with time or money for prizes, etc.,” Sam says.

On 10 December, a free movie night will feature a children’s screening of Home Alone at 5pm, and an adults (16 and over) screening of Love Actually at 8pm, at Taieri College auditorium. After which, the Otago Heritage Bus Society will offer tours of the Mosgiel homes with Christmas light displays. A month-long poll is running for the best display.

The event series will round off on 17-18 December with Santa’s Grotto heading to Wingatui Growers and Artisan Crafters Market, at Wingatui Racecourse.

Sam says the Taieri Network is testing the waters in this first year of running the event series, taking a collaborative approach.

“Such as with our mail drop of a community calendar of all Taieri events, to help push other occasions even if we’re not organising them.”

Find out more: www.taierinetwork.co.nz