The 13th biennial Holly Trail event has wrapped up in spectacular fashion, shattering fundraising records with an incredible $500,000 raised for Cranford Hospice. Held from 7th to 9th November, the three-day Christmas-inspired home & garden tour brought together friends from across New Zealand to explore Hawke’s Bay’s most diverse and beautiful homes and gardens.
This year’s Trail expanded its reach, featuring three stunning homes in Central Hawke’s Bay amongst a total of 11 exquisite properties, ranging from contemporary designs to traditional homesteads steeped in history. Visitors, affectionately called “Trailers,” were treated to breathtaking countryside views and unique stories behind every door and garden gate.
At a gifting ceremony on 26th November at the Blyth Performing Arts Centre at Iona College, Holly Trail Chairperson Penny Manahi proudly presented a $500,000 cheque to Andrew Lesperance, Chief Executive of Cranford Hospice.
Lesperance expressed heartfelt gratitude, emphasising the critical role the Holly Trail plays in funding the hospice’s operations.
“With government funding covering only 50% of our $8 million annual costs, the remaining $4 million must be fundraised to ensure we provide the exceptional care our community deserves,” he said.
“This generous donation is more than a financial contribution—it’s a testament to the compassion and kindness that defines our community. It allows us to confidently meet the growing demand for palliative services from Wairoa to Takapau, whether in patients’ homes or in our inpatient unit,” Lesperance added.
Behind the magic of the Holly Trail lies an extraordinary team of over 400 volunteers, from homeowners and florists to security teams, Rotarians, and local artists. Chairperson Penny Manahi, in her first year leading the event, shared her awe at the community’s commitment.
“I am blown away by the generosity and spirit of everyone involved. It truly takes a volunteer army to bring the Holly Trail to life, and the overwhelming positive feedback from our Trailers makes every effort worthwhile.”
Penny also acknowledges the 25% increase in the gift this year to Cranford Hospice was made realisable through the support of sponsors.
“Our major sponsor Biorich never hesitated for a second to offer their support, despite their own business being severely impacted after the cyclone. We are immensely grateful to all our sponsors whose generous support despite navigating a cyclone and one of the most difficult economic years in recent history, has meant we’ve been able to cover all event costs, ensuring that every dollar from each ticket sold goes directly to Cranford Hospice.”
Penny also acknowledged the resilience of the community in light of the devastating cyclone that hit the region in February 2023, which posed challenges for some gardens featured in this year’s Trail. Despite this, the 2024 Holly Trail was hailed as one of the best yet, with attendees praising the thoughtful details—from the festive floral arrangements and interior design to curated shoe bags—that made their experience unforgettable.
“I would also like to acknowledge our new organising committee who each have brought their areas of expertise to the event and have worked tirelessly with me for the past two years to bring this years Holly Trail to life.”
As the committee reflects on two years of planning and a resoundingly successful event, thoughts are already turning to the 2026 Holly Trail.
“It’s been a privilege to channel our passion into this event for Cranford Hospice. But for now,” Penny says with a laugh, “we’ll enjoy a well-earned summer break before diving back into plans for the next Trail in two years time.”
