Society & Co Events

09/06/2026

Every successful fundraising event has heroes.

The participants.
The volunteers.
The organising team.

But there's another group whose contribution often happens quietly in the background.

Sponsors.

The reality is that events like the Glow Orange Night Walk simply wouldn't be possible without businesses willing to invest in their community.

Sponsors help cover the costs that sit behind every event—marketing, infrastructure, equipment, logistics, entertainment, participant experiences, and countless operational expenses.

Their support allows more of every fundraising dollar to go directly where it's needed most.

For the Glow Orange Night Walk, we were incredibly fortunate to have local businesses step forward with both financial sponsorship and in-kind support.

Their generosity helped turn a vision into reality and played a significant role in creating an event that brought more than 800 people together for a common cause.

To every business that chooses to support a community event: thank you.

You are helping create impact far beyond the event itself.

Deco City Discoverer
Napier City Council - Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri
MCL Construction Ltd
K9 PetFoods
Rotary Clubs of Hawkes Bay (Napier, Greenmeadows, Hastings Karamu, Havelock North)
Weleda
The Hits - Hawke's Bay 89.5FM
Wee Doo Loos
Closed loop
Heidi & Sean Show
House of Dance Napier

08/06/2026

One number I'm particularly proud of from the Glow Orange Night Walk:

836 registrations.

For a first year fundraising event, that's an incredible result.

People often ask how you attract attendees to a new event when there's no history behind it.

The answer isn't one thing.

It's having a compelling purpose.
It's telling a story people connect with.
It's making participation simple.
It's creating excitement well before event day.
And most importantly, it's building trust within your community.

People didn't register because it was a walk.

They registered because they wanted to support Cranford Hospice and be part of something bigger than themselves.

One of the biggest lessons from this event is that communities will show up when they understand the impact they can make.

When event strategy and purpose align, participation follows.

What community event have you attended recently that made you feel part of something bigger?

05/06/2026

Everyone sees the finish line.

The smiling faces.
The glowing lanterns.
The social media photos.
The final fundraising total.

What they don't see is everything that happens in the months leading up to it.

Launching a brand-new event is one of the biggest (and scariest) challenges in event management. There is no previous attendance data, no established audience, and no guarantee people will embrace the concept.

When we began planning the inaugural Glow Orange Night Walk with Cranford Hospice, we knew we had a meaningful cause, but turning an idea into an event that hundreds of people would support required careful planning, strong partnerships, marketing, logistics, risk management, volunteer coordination, sponsorship, and countless hours behind the scenes.

On Saturday night, more than 800 people came together to walk in support of Cranford Hospice.

Seeing our community light up the night was a reminder that great events don't happen by accident. They happen when passionate people come together around a shared purpose.

Creating exceptional events isn't just about what happens on the day. It's about building something people want to be part of.

Cranford Hospice , we have enjoyed every moment of this experience with you. I'm so glad we took the plunge, the results spoke for themselves! Bring on 2027!

01/06/2026

At this time of the year, my focus shifts to events that allow me to give back to the community I love.

One such event was held on Saturday night – the Glow Orange Night Walk, raising vital funds for so they can continue providing specialist palliative care to families across Hawke’s Bay.

Every day, more than 280 patients rely on Cranford’s care and support. On Saturday evening, over 800 people came together to walk either the 3.5km or 6km course from Perfume Point to the iconic Napier Soundshell, all in support of Cranford Hospice and in remembrance of loved ones who are no longer with us.

It was a truly moving sight to see a sea of orange lights winding along the waterfront, each one representing hope, remembrance, gratitude, and community spirit.

A huge congratulations and thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, and donated. Together, we are helping ensure that Cranford Hospice can continue providing compassionate care to those who need it most.

As an event manager, there is something incredibly rewarding about being part of events that bring people together for a special cause. I am proud to have played a small part in delivering this special event and supporting the amazing work of Cranford Hospice. 🧡

Events like this remind me why I love what I do – creating experiences that connect people, celebrate community, and make a meaningful difference.

Thanks to


MCL Construction Ltd

Weleda


House of Dance Napier

Deco City Discoverernz
Closed Loop


Mammoth Print and Signs

Events like this take a village, so thank you so so much to all who were involved in making this event such a success! We can't wait to bring it back in 2027!

06/05/2026

There’s a quiet magic at every unforgettable wedding — the moment where everything simply flows. Our latest blog breaks down how operational excellence + calm ex*****on creates that effortless feeling for couples and guests. Read more: https://wix.to/LRoI9eD

There’s a quiet moment at every exceptional wedding—usually just after the ceremony, when guests move seamlessly into the next part of the celebration. Drinks are in hand, the music feels right, the couple is relaxed, and everything simply… flows.From the outside, it feels effortless.But that ...

01/05/2026

A huge thank you to the Hastings Red Squad Firefighters, helping us promote the Glow Orange Night Walk!

Have you registered yet?? Find out more by following the link below

https://cranfordhospice.org.nz/glow-orange/

They’re back again!

A big thanks to the Hastings Red Squad firefighters who have once again supported us, this time helping us get the word out about our upcoming Glow Orange Night Walk on Saturday, 30 May 2026 🔥

We’re so grateful for their support in helping us share this exciting new event with Hawke’s Bay.

You can check out here for more information about the Glow Orange Night Walk https://bit.ly/GlowOrangeCranford

Ngā mihi nui team 🧡

30/04/2026

Tickets are now officially ON SALE for the Cocktail Party 2026 🍸✨

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of incredible food, drinks, entertainment, and connection – all while supporting a truly meaningful cause.

This event sells out every year, so don’t miss your chance to be part of one of the most anticipated nights on the calendar.

Secure your tickets now and gather your friends, colleagues, or clients for a night to remember.

👉https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/the-cocktail-party-2026/hastings

30/04/2026

We’re so excited to share a special collaboration 💕

I’ve teamed up with Burn Reformer Pilates - Havelock North to host an intimate Pink Ribbon Breakfast on Saturday 16th May at 9.30am — and we’d love you to join us.

✨ Only 10 spots available ✨

Here’s what’s in store:
A 50-minute burn session to get you moving, followed by a delicious breakfast shared together — all while supporting an incredible cause.

✨ No experience needed ✨
You don’t need to have done reformer pilates before — this session is open to all ages and abilities, with experienced instructors there to guide you every step of the way.

To secure your spot:
• Send me a DM or email me at [email protected]
• Make a $50 donation to our fundraising portal (or more, if you’re able!)

And if you can’t make the class — you can still support 💗
Simply follow the link and donate whatever you can to support the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

https://fundraise.bcf.org.nz/fundraisers/Burnbreakfast/pinkribbonbreakfast

We all know someone who has been impacted by breast cancer, so let’s come together, give what we can, and support this incredible cause.

Be quick — spots will go fast!

29/04/2026

Oh what a night it was, celebrating with these two!
This was by far the most energetic, "out of the box", creative wedding I have ever had the pleasure of coordinating!

These two had one of the most dynamic wedding runsheets I've ever worked with. I was a little bit nervous (if Im honest!) About the distance between ceremony and reception (a mere 204km), but it all came together on the day!

I've known Makeup with Micki - Hawke's Bay Makeup Artistry & Lessons for many years through the wedding and events industry. We have enjoyed many weddings together behind the scenes, so it was magic to see her finally have her day, and see her marry her man Jack!

Venue Village Vineyards
Photographer
Caterer
Cocktails

23/04/2026

Im so proud to be working with Cranford Hospice to bring together this epic community fundraising event!

Join us!
🗓 Saturday 30 May, 5.30 start
📍Perfume Point to Napier Soundshell

We have two courses, 3.5km, and 6km, and the event is open to all ages and abilities. The course is flat and accessible.

Register today! www.cranford-hospice.grassrootz.com/glow-orange-night-walk-2026

The 'Glow Orange' event supports care for up to 258 families needing hospice help daily.