Events

Kawerau’s many parks, reserves and buildings combined with its central location make it an ideal venue for events.

Kawerau District Council pro-actively supports events that have either become synonymous with the township and/or utilises our natural resources. We also support smaller community events through subsidised rental fees and assisting with promotional activity. There is a small contestable Event Fund for those interested in establishing a new event.

For a full list of all events please refer to our Events Calendar or, if you would like to add and event to our calendar go to Add your own Event.

Major Events - May to December 2009


	NZ Raft Team Selections 28 & 29 November 2009 The stunning Tarawera River once again will host some of the finest rafters NZ has to offer as they negotiate the twists and turns of the river. Last years NZ representatives who competed in Bosnia at the World Champs will once again be challenging for the prestige of competing on the world stage, this time in Holland 2010. This event promises to be a fine spectacle and crews from the local community will be joining in the races to test there skills against the best NZ has to offer. For more information click NZ Raft Team Information . Click for entry forms
	Eastern Bay of Plenty Dog Obedience Club 28 & 29 November 2009 Head down to Prideaux Park for this amazing canine competition as dogs and their owners compete in the ‘Championship Jumpers Event’. There will be in excess of 160 ‘jet propelled’ hounds flying through the air over various obstacle courses, a site not to be missed. Kawerau has a fine reputation as a dog friendly town and this 2 day event will highlight that! Click Championship Jumpers for more.
	Christmas in the Park 19 December 2009 A safe family environment with a strong entertainment lineup to appeal to all age groups and musical tastes, rides and slideshows for the kids, crafts stalls and a massive firework display. The day kicks off with the float parade at 11am with the afternoon's entertainment starting at 1pm. Choose a meal from the food stalls, bring plenty of sunscreen and make a real day of it. The evening's lineup will run from 7 - 10pm

Norske Skog Mountain Race
31 October 2009

Not for the faint hearted. This is a gruelling 8 km race to the summit of Putauaki - 852 metres above sea level. Some athletes will complete this within an unbelievable 60 minutes. Relay competitions between local primary schools are held earlier in the day. The contest for the Prince and Princess of the Mountain commences at 11 am. This race is for 9 - 13 yr olds and takes runners over approximately 4 km of the lower section of the Mountain Race Course. For more information go to http://kawerauharrierclub.co.nz

Kawerau Woodfest
12 & 13 September 2009
The event includes a wide variety of activities associated with the wood industry and the bush at large. The cornerstone of the Festival is the National Woodskills Competition which showcases the artistic side of working with wood. Outside competitions include Chainsaw Carving, The Big Dig - a chip shovelling competition, Woodchopping Competitions and Chainsaw Racing. There is also a craft market, food stalls, trade exhibitions and entertainment. More information

Kawerau Big 3 Competition
14 to 16 August 2009
The Big 3 Competition is a land based fishing and hunting event. The weekend starts at 5.00 pm on Friday 14 August at the Kawerau Sports Club on Firmin Field, Waterhouse Street Kawerau. A family/whanau day will be held on Saturday with field games and challenges set up for children of all ages. Final weigh in is 2 pm Sunday immediately followed by the prizegiving. More information

Mid Winter Half Marathon
5 July 2009
This event is suitable for runners and walkers of all abilities. The circular course winds through the town of Kawerau, following parks and reserves. It can be described as fast and flat. Enter by 26 June 2009 for early bird prize draw. For more information go to http://kawerauharrierclub.co.nz

Targa Rotorua 2009
13 June 2009
Two days of competition, approximately 330kms of closed stages, to be run as two rounds of the Seria Campione - the Targa Rotorua will stop over at Prideaux Park Kawerau on Saturday 13 June from 1 pm onwards. The rally arrives in Kawerau after completing the 35km Manawahe/Braemar closed road section and will leave to retrace their steps. Each car will spend approxmately 25 minutes at the stop. Further information will be released as it comes to hand or go now to http://www.targa.co.nz/2009-Targa-Rotorua_794.aspx

Whakatane Bird Show and Sale
16 & 17 May 2009
The 55th Annual Show of the Whakatane Bird Show will be held in the Kawerau Town Hall on 16 & 17 May 2009. Birds catered for include Canaries: Yorkshire, Norwich, Border, Colour Fed and Non Colour Fed, Closter, Lizard and Roller. Budgerigars, Bengalise and Zebra Finches. British Birds include Goldfinches, Chaffinches, Thrushes,Blackbirds and Sparrows. Lovebirds and a foreign section which includes exotic Finches, Parakeets, Doves, Quail and Parrots.

Whakatane Great Outdoors Adventure Race
16 & 17 May 2009
The ultimate challenge takes place in May each year. Teams from around New Zealand complete in a gruelling and challenging 24 hour race covering 100km of rugged bush and waterways around the Easterm Bay. A new 6 hour option is available to the less serious adventurer.
Starting point Tarawera Outlet.
For more information go to http://www.whakatane.com/eventslist.html