Don’t let streaming platforms, seasonal affective disorder and general cool weather glumness take over as we head deeper towards winter. There is much to get out and about for. Here are some picks for keeping chipper as it gets chillier:

Small Hall Sessions

Late May sees a four-stop tour of “Unsung Heroes” a treat of music and storytelling, featuring four NZ musicians accompanied by renowned journalist and broadcaster Cameron Bennet and actor Peter Elliot. Make sure you’ve signed up for the email newsletters to hear the latest on who else is coming and to which sweet, rustic small hall next.

Seaside cocktails and ice-creams 

Mix’d has just opened at Ahuriri, where Hot Chick was for decades. The best and beachiest location in Napier plus cocktails – what a combination! Plus, there’s Scoop, a new ice-cream parlour right next door (where Cool Cat once was), serving up Rush Munro’s and open till 8pm.

Local body campaigns

While the elections for city, district and regional councils aren’t until September, we can expect to see a ratcheting-up of action from candidates wanting to connect with the voter base. Keep an eye on council websites and social media for dates and details, and then get along and ask questions about how your rates are being spent and the region is being managed. Hey, better still, you could run for a seat! See your local council website for details on how to run. Nominations open in July.

Matariki

This year Matariki falls on 19-22 June, marking the reappearance of the constellation. The public holiday will be on Friday, 20 June. It’s time to reflect, connect and look to the future. There will be plenty of events on and around the long weekend, including the return of Matariki Mahuika Beach Fires along our coastline.

Travel a little closer to home

There is no need to go to Noosa or Bali or Tuscany or California to experience something new this autumn or winter. Live in Havelock? Head to Ahuriri and check out the Globe Theatrette and have Italian at Casa. Reside in Napier? Try FunBuns and Hastings Distillery in the East 200 Block over in Heretaunga. Take a ride on a Hawke’s Bay Trail on the other side of the river. Go wine tasting and hear all about the magic of the 2025 vintage. Walk on the salty sand at Waipātiki or Waimārama or Pourere or Pōrangahau. Have a cold dip. Have a wander around MTG Hawke’s Bay. Have a beer at Brave or Giant or Three Wise Birds. Walk up Bluff Hill or Bell Rock. What a spot.