Get out and enjoy: Christchurch City Mayor, Phil Mauger

I hope you have had a chance to relax and unwind over the summer break.

The weather finally came good, and Chrissy and I enjoyed plenty of time on the water with the kids and grandkids, fishing and swimming, as well as spending some quality fun time over the hill in Akaroa. It was a great break after a busy year and I’m sure, like me, you will be feeling refreshed and ready to get back into things.

While it can be a bit of a challenge to switch into work mode at the end of the holidays, I always think it’s good to have things to look forward to, so here are three events well worth making the effort to attend.

Kite Day at New Brighton Beach is always fun and seems to get bigger every year. This year was no exception, and it was great to see the skies filled with colourful kites on Saturday 13 January. If you didn’t make it this year, plan ahead for next year.

Mitre10 Sparks is back on Saturday 3 February, lighting up our city with a dazzling display of fireworks. It’s the 41st year this has been held in Hagley Park, and it is a real tradition for families and young people growing up in Christchurch.

And don’t forget the fantastic, free, Summer Sundays live music series, which kicked off on 21 January at the Botanic Gardens. There’s always something happening in our city, and I’m looking forward to another busy year.