Festivals & Events
The celebrations, concerts, choir, music, plays, services and artistic therapies all enrich the lives of everyone who lives and works at Hōhepa.
In addition to Matariki, Christmas, Easter, Waitangi and ANZAC celebrations, we also have our own Hōhepa festivals and events. One example is our annual Silent Meal where the whole community gathers to share a hushed meal of fish, bread and grapes to remember the Last Supper. While not compulsory, many staff and people we support at Hōhepa attend, and join together as a community.
All four seasons are celebrated, with our autumn festival at the farm a favourite. We also have an annual Families Weekend, with live music and dancing. Our Hōhepa community, including family members and friends, are big supporters of these get togethers.
Birthdays are eagerly anticipated, especially milestones! Celebrating these helps strengthen the sense that we each have a biography which we create.
Upcoming events
Hōhepa Christmas cards available to order now!
It’s never too early to get organised for Christmas, and we’ve got just the thing to help you spread some festive cheer.
Our Hōhepa Christmas cards are now available to order, featuring beautiful artwork created by artists from our community. Each pack contains 10 cards for a $20 donation, and every purchase supports our LEAP programme, creating opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
We can even add your business logo to the back of the cards. This is a perfect way to share goodwill while showing your support for Hōhepa.
Order your cards here: Hōhepa Christmas cards
Best Speaker Competition
With the support of Rotary, registrations are now open for our annual Best Speaker Competition.
The competition is open to everyone with an intellectual disability and/or autism. This year’s theme commemorates Hōhepa Canterbury’s 60th anniversary, with the topic:
“What I think the world will look like in 60 years (2085).”
Participants can speak for up to five minutes on the topic, sharing their hopes and ideas for the future.
Prizes:
1st place $300
2nd place $200
3rd place $100
The heats will be held on Tuesday 18 November (during the day), and the finals will take place on the evening of 25 November at the Hōhepa Hall, 23 Barrington Street.
Register here to take part in this inspiring event.
