Holiday diversions at Highwic

Dreading the prospect of trying to entertain bored kids these school holidays? Fret no more.

Highwic – the historic mansion in Newmarket cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga – is organising some kids events that will help keep the young ones occupied during the first week of the holidays.

Highwic volunteers will crank up the coal range on April 19 and offer children the chance to make and bake their own Gingerbread People.

“Gingerbread figures have a long and illustrious history, with the first recorded example dating back to Queen Elizabeth I who had gingerbread figures made in the likeness of important guests at one of her banquets,” says Highwic’s Samantha Keen.

“The tasty biscuit treat gained popularity over the centuries, and would have been a favourite of the Buckland family’s 21 children who lived at Highwic.”

Children will also be able to have a go at making and decorating paper dolls at Highwic on April 18 and 20.

Bookings for baking are essential. For more information on times and costs visit http://www.heritage.org.nz/news-and-events/events