Bringing LOVE to Napier City on Cyclone Gabrielle Anniversary
A year on from Cyclone Gabrielle, a special LOVE sign will be in Napier city from Wednesday.
Napier City Business Inc (NCBI) introduced is introducing the “heartwarming pop-up” to “spread the love”. It will make its debut on Market Street on Wednesday between 10am - 4pm.
NCBI General Manager Pip Thompson says everyone, whether in town or attending the commemoration service at the Soundshell, should capture a moment with friends, family, teammates, and loved ones in front of the sign.
“This not only celebrates love and unity but also embodies the resilience of our region. Let's not forget, it's also Valentine's Day - let’s spread the love!”
NCBI is dedicated to spreading love, especially through supporting local retailers and businesses. While Napier City remained untouched by the cyclone itself, many of the businesses faced significant challenges, including prolonged power outages lasting more than seven days and road closures that severely restricted access.
To support businesses and provide the community with a second chance at showing love after the cyclone, ‘Napier CBD Valentine's Day 2.0’ was born. A one-off initiative designed to recognize February’s Valentine's Day, lost in the evening of Cyclone Gabrielle. Held on Wednesday, 14 June 2023, it was celebrated as a time to pause and recognise kindness, connection and thankfulness.
“It was an opportunity to sprinkle love throughout the region four months after Valentine's Day and Cyclone Gabrielle, and the response was incredible! People really came out to show their support and love for the community and one another,” says Thompson.
