Christchurch City Mayor Phil Mauger: Entertaining you

Well, where did that year go? It’s hard to believe we’re about to celebrate Christmas and move into 2025.

It’s been another busy year for the Christchurch City Council and I’m sure everyone is looking forward to a well-deserved break over the festive season, as I certainly am. If you’re having a staycation or friends and family are visiting, there’s plenty of entertainment on offer in the city over the coming weeks.

The summer season brings with it several council events. You can see in the new year by getting down to North Hagley Park for the NYE 24 and NYE Kids’ Countdown. It’ll be a family affair, with something for everyone.

The Outdoor Cinema held in the North Quad of The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora will have 11 movies on offer from 3-5 January and 10-12 January. A late-night screening to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show will see people dress-up for the occasion in weird and wonderful outfits.

The Anthony Harper Summer Theatre will kick off on 9 January at the Botanic Gardens’ Archery Lawn and go through until 26 January. This year’s event will feature adventure on the high seas with ‘The complete voyage of RMS Titanic in 90 minutes’, brought to you by a talented cast of three and a musician.

As is tradition in the Mauger household, we’re off to the family bach just out of Motueka for the holidays. I can’t wait to put on the shorts and jandals, get down to the beach with the grandchildren, and end the days with a good old-fashioned barbecue.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, a safe and happy New Year, and a special thanks to those working through the holiday season. I look forward to catching up with you in 2025.