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Spring heralds the start of the annual gala and ag day season, and two of the earliest take place on Saturday, September 22, at Pakiri and Tapora.
Despite having just eight pupils on the roll, Pakiri School always punches above its weight for its annual Pet Day. Each pupil raises an animal – lambs and chickens this year – and runs a stall or activity as well. Principal Ingrid Stewart says students have been busy making a range of items to show and sell.
One of the main attractions will be the bucket raffles, where 60 buckets will be packed with a variety of prizes by the local community. Tickets cost $5 and, if drawn, the winner picks their prize bucket of choice and the ticket goes back in the draw. There will also be a hangi, a silent auction, quick fire fish raffles and face painting. The fun starts at 10am.
Meanwhile, at Tapora School, students will be showing off a bunch of wacky Wellingtons that they have been decorating for a Pimp My Gumboot competition. There will also be baby animal and pet judging, art displays and obstacle races for teams (blindfolded, in a trolley) and individuals (on a computer chair). There are several chances to win prizes, including holiday accommodation, a pig, $100, lamb, firewood and local business vouchers during the school’s multi-draw $5 raffle. Bargain crockery, books, clothing, linen and toys will be available on the bric-a-brac stall, and there will be baking, burgers and sausages for sale.
Ag Day will also be when the winner of a competition to come up with a new school sign will be announced. Students and local residents have been asked to come up with a design for a billboard that can be placed on SH16 to let more people know where Tapora School is located (23km off the main highway at 1 Okahukura Road). Local farmer Rodney Cotton will be providing a prize for the winning design and will be getting the resulting sign manufactured free of charge.
