Classy performers of both the musical and botanical variety will take centre stage at Tupare on Waitangi Day.

The Monday holiday will bring free events at the New Plymouth heritage property, including:

• Performances by some of the leading lights in the local singer/songwriter scene.
• A guided walk focusing on some of the botanical success stories in the landscaped gardens.
• Market Day stalls selling food, drink, produce and arts and crafts.

“It’ll be a great celebration with something for everyone,” says the Taranaki Regional Council’s Regional Gardens Manager, Greg Rine. “We’re particularly pleased with the line-up of local musicians who’ve agreed to be part of the day.”

Events begin at 8am with a 90-minute guided walk led by Tupare Manager Mitch Graham, who will point out some of the property’s best-performing plants and success stories. This free tour is part of the New Plymouth District Council Summer Guided Walks Programme.

The Market Day will run from 9am to noon, featuring local growers and craftspeople as well as stalls from Farmers Market Taranaki. Offerings will range from beauty products and jewellery to organic liquid fertiliser, from fibre art and local books to sauces, fresh nuts and blueberries, ginger beer and fruit wines.

Appetites and thirsts can be quenched on the spot with traditional sweets and ice creams from Devon Sweets, freshly barbecued sandwiches from The Fridge Butchery, and coffee and French breads, pastries and tarts from Petit Paris.

The three-hour musical line-up will include:

• Guitarra from 9am to 10am (from classical and Spanish to contemporary/popular).
• Missie Moffat and Tina Bridgeman from 10am to 11am (soulful and rhythmic music, with unusual guitar tunings and a hint of jazz).
• Andy Bassett from 11am to noon (laid-back originals and eclectic covers, using acoustic guitar and “assorted trickery”).

“This will be Tupare’s last Market Day for the season, and it’s going to be buzzing,” says Mr Rine.

The next big event on the Taranaki Regional Gardens calendar will be a Harvest Festival at Hollard Gardens on Taranaki Anniversary Day, Monday 12 March.

Tupare, Hollard Gardens and Pukeiti are the three heritage properties owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region.