Napier woman's two costumes in a day as St Patrick's Day and America's Cup coincide

Gene Norman, Ivana Guy, Matt Thompson and Megan Meads in St Patrick's Day dress-up at Dulux Trade Centre Napier. Photo / Warren Buckland

March 17, 2021, was a day for two costumes, Hawke's Bay dress-up enthusiast Megan Meads decided.

Her St Patrick's Day work costume lasted until mid-afternoon - then it was time to don another one for the America's Cup.

She wasn't the only one at Napier's Dulux Trade Centre to pick some Irish green to wear on Wednesday, but as usual she took things a step further.

The frequent costume-wearer said she chooses to dress up on any occasion possible.

"Dressing up for St Patrick's Day is something we do every year for work – you don't have to as staff but it doesn't matter to me what theme it is, I always dress up," she said.

Having spent the past week in Auckland watching the America's Cup, Meads said she was poised for a quick costume change after work before watching the final stages of the competition.

"I've got my red socks, hat and T-shirt ready to go to my girlfriend's house," she said. "A quick change after work and I'll be on my second dress-up outfit of the day."

Dulux Trade Centre Napier workers Gene Norman, Ivana Guy, Matt Thompson and Megan Meads. Photo / Warren Buckland

Meads, who says she has numerous outfits set aside at her home for different occasions, has in the past dressed as a jockey for the Melbourne Cup, an Easter bunny, a Mexican amigo and a dog for a 'Hot Dog Day' event, to name a few.

Havelock North's Rose & Shamrock Village Inn, along with other pubs and bars across the region, enjoyed increased footfall amid their St Patrick's festivities.

The Irish venue said live music helped regulars and newcomers enjoy the special day.

"St Patrick's Day is one of the busiest nights of the year for us," a spokeswoman said.

"While we don't have any all-Irish staff, we've all got a little bit of Irish in us and we do have a few regular customers who are always excited for St Paddy's Day."

Westshore Beach Inn owner Jeremy Bayliss said whether it was the America's Cup or a cold pint of Guinness you were after, they had it on offer on Wednesday.

St Patrick's Day commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and aims to celebrate the heritage and culture of the Irish.

Meads said dressing up is about bringing happiness to yourself and others – especially on St Patrick's Day.

"It puts a smile on people's faces - I've been to the supermarket and seen my own customers and it brings happiness and joy to people," she said.

"I used to do ballet years ago and was into theatre so I have always been a fan of dress-up parties. Any time there is a birthday or celebration, it always has a theme."2