Creating memories main aim of events
Mangakino’s Pouakani Marae will hold a series of food and hunting events this weekend.
The Hunt 4 Easter competition will be held as part of a fundraising drive for Pouakani Marae.
Organiser Vanessa Te Whaiti- Trueman said the event will be held at both the lakefront and the Te Awhina hall.
Festivities will include a hunting competition, waka ama and paddleboat rides and a global food festival.
‘‘It’s about doing things with your family and friends, making new friends . . . Ki Barker, the local wakeboarding specialist will be about for anyone interested in learning the watersport, wanting to improve your skills, and upgrade your kit.
‘‘ There will be bouncy castles around on the day generously provided by the Mangakino agency youth group for the little ones to socialise in while the adults sample the selection of food that will be on offer as part of the fundraiser for the marae.’’
The food festival will be held from 9am until 1pm while the weigh- in for hunters will run from 12 to 3pm on Saturday.
‘‘Initially, it was all about taking the kids outside, learning a few trapping skills but mainly about cre- ating great memories as a family.’’
Targets could include rabbits and possums.
When asked if it was similar to The Big 3, Mrs Te Whaiti-Trueman said: ‘‘ I’m not sure, it is similar to other hunting competitions.
‘‘Ridgeline have their own judges whom we are using for the competition. They have been doing this for years and that gives us the confidence that we want to get the job done on the day.’’
Pouakani Marae opened its doors to the public last year, when the community raised funds to rebuild the marae after an arson attack in 2007, which brought Tamateapokai Whenua wharenui to the ground.