Big Dig to take Waita¯ rere by storm
Treasure hunters will again fill Waita¯ rere Beach to search for prizes early in the new year.
The Levin and Districts Brass band is holding the annual Big Dig on January 2 and it is expected to be bigger and better than ever.
Contestants will dig in adults’ and childrens’ pits for numbered discs buried earlier by volunteers. The discs are then redeemed for prizes from a pool worth more than $6000.
Band president Chris Craddock is expecting more than 1000 people to join in on the fun if the weather co-operates.
There are several pits for people to dig in and participants can choose which one they search – the only difference is the types of prizes found in each pit. All digging must be done by hand.
More than 300 prizes have been donated to the band by Levin businesses. The top prizes for children and adults are watches, and there are vouchers valued between $50 and $100.
Money raised goes toward buying equipment for the band’s youth education programme.
‘‘Once again, the band is indebted to the Horowhenua business community for their continued support of this popular annual event," Craddock said.
‘‘The Big Dig is a wonderful family event for young and old. A generation of holidaymakers and locals have flocked to Waita¯ rere Beach for a fun afternoon in the sun with the opportunity to win fantastic prizes, ’’ band conductor Chris Honey said.
Waita¯ rere Beach is south of Foxton, off State Highway 1, north of Levin. Tickets are available for purchase from 9am on January 2 at the main entrance. Children and adults are $3 each.