Club proceeds help fund local athletes

For the last 32 years, the Grand Tavern Hunting and Fishing Club in Te Aroha has held a wellattended and supported open hunting and fishing competition with all the proceeds raised donated to their chosen charities.

The competition draws hunters and anglers from all over the North Island and the open section includes heaviest snapper, trout, boar and deer.

In the past, the club has given much needed and gratefully received donations to Search and Rescue, Westpac Rescue helicopter, Te Aroha rest homes and other emergency services.

President Andy Hamilton said this year they decided to do something a bit different.

For the first time two outstanding Te Aroha athletes and the Te Aroha Volunteer Fire Brigade were chosen as recipients.

Te Aroha College year 13 student Tatiana Kaumoana is on her way to great things and is representing New Zealand and competing at the Youth Commonwealth Games in the Bahamas in July.

She has been working and training hard in the lead up to the games and said every cent counts and is very much appreciated.

‘‘Thank you so much for the support. It’s so cool to have the backing of the people and clubs in our community.’’

Power lifter Matt Gordon is also making his mark in the international power lifting scene and is fundraising for his next big competition in Mexico.

‘‘That’s the beauty of calling a town like Te Aroha home, our support for one another is awe- some.’’

Te Aroha Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Roger Clark said they were so grateful for the financial support.

The fire brigade has had 142 call outs in 2017 to date, nearly as many as the 150 calls they had during the whole of last year.

‘‘Any volunteer fire brigade in New Zealand faces the same financial pressure,’’ he said.

Organisers would also like to thank each and everyone of their sponsors who donate goods and services towards prize packs.

A full list and acknowledgement of sponsors can be found in the Public Notices section of this week’s Piako Post.

The Grand Tavern Hunting and Fishing AGM and prize giving will be held at the clubrooms ‘‘The Wallow’’ on Friday July 14, starting at 6pm.

Food and refreshments provided. All welcome!