Waitakere’s Craft Out West extravaganza will feature more than 130 stalls of quality, hand-made expertise while aiding one of the community’s most worthy causes. 

Waitakere’s Craft Out West extravaganza will feature more than 130 stalls of quality, hand-made expertise while aiding one of the community’s most worthy causes. 

All proceeds from the show go to Hospice West Auckland, a registered charitable trust that provides free specialist, palliative care and support to West Aucklanders in their own homes during terminal or life-threatening illnesses.

Craft show veteran and organiser Annetta Flaunty says that the event, which is now in its third year, generates between $20-$25,000 each year for Hospice.

“The fair is unique to West Auckland.  My initial idea was for something small but it grew like topsy,” says Annetta. 

“Exhibitors come from all over New Zealand, we even have some from as far away as Australia and the United States.”   

Annetta, who teaches ceramics and collectible bear making, describes the event as a working show with demonstrations and plenty of opportunities to get hands on experience.

“There’s Japanese paper carvers, stained glass demonstrations, card making, scrap booking, ceramics painting and two retired couples who make amazing platters using fused recycled glass.” 

Other stalls include beading, needlecraft, folk art, handcrafted jewellery, Pacific arts, patchwork and supplies, bear and bear supplies, wooden toys, handcrafted gourmet foods plus many others. 

As well as generous goodie bags there are several chances to win great spot prizes that range from $50 wine and food vouchers to bottles of wine. 

Visitors can release a ‘make a wish dove’ for a $5 donation and enter into a draw to win a white dove release package for their own wedding or special event worth $550 from Dove Blessings. 

The Hospice connection has seen the show gain the support of many sponsors including the Waitakere City Council, Douglas Pharmaceuticals, The Licensing Trust, Te Atatu Lions, Trusts Stadium, Villa Maria Estate and UHY Haines Norton.

“I have been involved as a volunteer with Hospice West Auckland for many years and knew they were a worthwhile and professional cause,” says Annetta.

“Little did I know when I first started organising the shows that I would need Hospice so soon for my own mother.  I needed them and they were brilliant, lovely, lovely people.”

What:                          Craft Out West

When:                         Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July, 10am – 4pm

Where:                        The Trusts Stadium, Central Park Drive, Henderson

Cost:                           Adults $5, Senior Citizens $3, Children under 12 years free.  Free Parking.

For more information go to www.hwa.org.nz.