| Kia ora (Māori) | Talofa (Samoan) | Mālō e lelei (Tongan) | Bula (Fijian) | Namaste (Hindi/Fijian Indian) | Ni hao (Mandarin Chinese) | Asalaamu alaikum (Arabic) | Bonjour (French) | Guten Tag (German) | Hello! My name is Jean Bonner, and I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Community Connector at Taieri Network. I feel incredibly grateful to step into this role and to be working alongside such a passionate, community-minded network of people and organisations across the Taieri. I’m really looking forward to continuing to connect with our community — listening, learning, and helping connect people with opportunities, services, and each other. Taieri has a strong sense of care and collaboration, and I’m excited to support and strengthen these connections in meaningful ways. You’ll see me out and about at local events, hui | meetings, and activities, and I’d love to hear from you. Whether you have ideas, questions, or just want to say hello, please don’t hesitate to reach out or pop into our office. Appointments can be made here. There are lots of local events happening between now and the end of the year, as well as into January, so keep an eye out below in the newsletter. The Christmas tree will be coming down on the evening of 21 January, the same day our office reopens for the year. I’m really looking forward to what we can achieve together. Wishing you and your whānau a safe, restful, and joyful festive season. Ngā mihi nui | Best regards,
Jean Bonner
Community Connector | Taieri Network |
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Our Otago Heritage Bus Christmas Lights Tours have been spreading festive cheer across Mosgiel, and they’ve been an absolute hit! We’ve loved taking locals on a unique journey around town to enjoy the Christmas lights — and the good news is, there are still two tours left that you can book onto. Still to come:
Friday 20 December & Saturday 21 December
Just $8.10 per ticket Community Christmas Lights Display Competition The festive season is shining bright across Mosgiel! Our map features over 50 homes with amazing Christmas lights, and 30 of these are in the Community Christmas Lights Competition. Thanks to Shoz Wheeler, Property Brokers Mosgiel, there’s $600 in prizes up for grabs 🥰. |
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These are your finalists! Voting is open now on Facebook
To vote, simply type the address of your (one) favourite in the comments section
by 10pm on 22 Dec. |
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A Very Taieri Christmas – Late Night Shopping
Despite a windy start to the day that meant the stage couldn’t be set up, and many of our ace entertainers weren't able to perform. "A Very Taieri Christmas" was a wonderful success, with a great turnout from our community. We thank you all for your understanding given the weather conditions on the day, and for all your Christmas cheer out and about. One child summed the night up perfectly when asked what the best part of the evening was, he simply said: “Spending time with my parents & friends.”
The Silent Disco was full of energy, Santa’s Grotto was humming - with over 1300 photos uploaded to Facebook - and our face painter shared that it was the busiest Very Taieri Christmas she’s ever had. Local retailers, stalls and food outlets were also pleased with the energy of the evening, and the free books from the Altrusa Club were warmly received. The SPCA reported a large number of community members enquiring about fostering animals, and Pippity Pop was kept flat out too! The Taieri College Choir sang beautifully — and next year let's hope for a stage with microphones so we can truly enjoy your amazing solos. A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers and trustees who helped everything run so smoothly, from the Silent Disco DJs and bouncers to the Santa’s Grotto and signage crews. We’re already looking forward to bringing this much-loved community event back again next year. Community Christmas Tree The Christmas tree will be coming down on January 21st. We are again so grateful for the volunteers and businesses that contribute to making this process run smoothly: Fairfield Transport, Mosgiel Volunteer Fire Brigade, ProPower, Chevron Traffic Services, Mosgiel Rotary Club.
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Kete Whakairo Weaving Course |
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Facilitator: Marcanui Taura
Dates: Weekly on Thursdays, 5 February – 9 April 2026 (10 weeks)
Time: 9.00am – 3.00pm
Venue: Oak Lounge, East Taieri Church, 12a Cemetery Rd, East Taieri
Cost: $100 for the full 10-week course Join us for a rich and supportive introduction to Kete Whakairo (patterned kete). No prior weaving experience is needed—this course begins with the basics and builds skills over the term. What you’ll learn: - Harakeke harvesting and preparation
- Foundational and advanced weaving techniques
- Reading and understanding patterns and their meanings
- Dyeing techniques
- Learning grounded in Māori culture and values
This course is more than just weaving. It’s a welcoming space for connection, creativity, mental well-being, and cultural enrichment. By the end of the term, students will feel confident weaving independently and creating their own kete. What to bring:
Please bring some food to share for a shared lunch
Hot beverages will be provided. Questions or enquiries: [email protected] or 022 121 3325 We look forward to weaving, learning, and connecting together. Thank you to Creative NZ for the grant that helped subsidise ticket costs! |
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- Evening openings are now closed for the year.
- The last morning open will be Monday 22 December.
- The Foodbank will be closed over the Christmas/New Year period, to give our wonderful volunteers a break and will re-open on 12 January 2026.
- Thank you to all of our generous supporters in 2025, especially Woolworths, New World, Property Brokers, Target Accounting, BNT, Rotary and Lions. We couldn't help our community without your generosity.
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