Nuit Blanche biggest yet thanks to team work

Published: 7 October 2024

It’s clear Napier likes to party judging by the crowds who descended on the City on Saturday night.

The annual Nuit Blanche street party saw 15,000 people enjoying street performers, open galleries and arts studios, food trucks and a wide range of entertainment.

Pip Thompson, General Manager of Napier City Business Inc and Kevin Murphy from Napier City Council coordinated a team of event planners and technical crew to bring Nuit Blanche to life. They believe that with the Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival on pause this year, Nuit Blanche has provided the community with a space to celebrate creativity, culture and connection.

Pip Thompson said the event was huge for hospitality and business in the City.

“This has brought a much-needed boost after a tough winter for local businesses. What a great way to bring people into the city! It takes a team approach with business owners, hospo, Napier City Business and the Council all working together,” said Pip. “The other great thing is we have put a lot of effort into off-setting the costs with funding from grants so it’s been really do-able from a financial perspective.

“We can't wait to start planning for a bigger and better Nuit Blanche in 2025,” says Pip. “Nuit Blanche is all about celebrating Napier's vibrant arts quarter, offering an event where local galleries can open their doors and showcase their work and exhibitions after dark.

“It's incredible to see how the event breathes life into the city, drawing thousands into the streets and supporting local businesses, especially in hospitality. The blend of passionate local artists, performers and businesses, combined with the event’s inclusive atmosphere, creates an electric energy that makes Nuit Blanche a truly special occasion, showcasing world-class talent right here in Napier.”

Kevin Murphy, Napier City Council’s Event Manager, believes Nuit Blanche is one of the biggest events Napier has ever had in the streets, on par with Art Deco Festivals and bigger than New Years Eve.

“It’s huge for the city to have an event like this. It’s awesome to see people come into the city, get into the vibe that’s been created and make the most of this awesome opportunity to spend time together as a community.

“It feels like the community out there needs a lift, and when you see the smiles on kids’ faces and families just enjoying the opportunity to get together and enjoy a night out – it’s a kinda magic!”

Kevin explains the Nuit Blanche secret ingredient is teamwork.

“We have a small but effective team that delivers the event. We work well together and have a great mix of entertainment and acts, some that you just don’t see here very often.”

For Kevin, highlights of Nuit Blanche were Laughton Kora’s Black Comet on the street stage, the Bay Skate Roller Disco, the DJ set up in the laneway and the animation projected onto the Cathedral.

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