Labour weekend events promise fun for all ages
Whitianga place to be for air show, scooter and fishing comps
People in the Coromandel won’t have far to go to enjoy a whole host of Labour Weekend fun activities on land, at sea and in the air. Those thinking of heading out of town for the long weekend may wish to travel up the coast to Whitianga where the agenda includes an aero day, some super skilful scootering, a fishing tournament and competition and a food fest. www.whitianga.co. nz/events/.
A parachute drop, aerobatics, highspeed flypasts, formation flying and planes with impressive history (vintage and warbirds) will all be part of the over-the-bay air show action. A parachute drop from a DC3 will kickstart the Sunday air show that runs from 10am to noon, with parachutists alighting on Buffalo Beach.
An Airfield Open Day will follow, from midday to 4pm, offering the chance for joyrides, and the opportunity to meet the pilots and view static displays.
It’s set to be quite the exciting aero day involving some “rather exotic” aeroplanes, says organiser Bill Beard, and befitting he adds, given the event will celebrate the Mercury Bay Aero Club’s 75th birthday. The show and open day will be free to the public.
Mercury Bay Business Association member Suzanne Hansen says Labour Weekend activities have been organised with all age groups in mind.
Set to pull in youths, for example, is Saturday’s Whitianga Scooter Comp, organised by 17-year-old local and world-class scooter champion Seth Smith.
There’s the chance to be thrilled watching Seth, and other competitors, show how rails and ledges are made for scootering. Seth — whose scootering skills gained him a second placing in the world champs in Argentina in 2021 — says those already registered will be coming from Tauranga, Hamilton and Auckland, as well as the Coromandel.
Registration can be made on the day at the Whitianga Skate Park, or ahead of time, by emailing klsrsmith@hotmail.com or contacting Seth on Instagram @s3th. sm1th.
There will be eight categories — to cater for different age groups — with the youngest for those 7 and under, says Seth who started in the sport as a young teen (these days he’s sponsored by Madd Gear which will be helping on the day).
For more information see www. whitianga.co.nz/event/whitiangascooter-competition/.
Angler alert!
Saturday will also include a snapper tournament and zone 3 interclub competition, open to all Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club members and day members. Hours of fishing stretch from 6.30am until 4pm, with the prizegiving to follow at the club’s headquarters at 6.30pm.
Meanwhile, Mercury Bay Area School’s Year 13 business students will have taste bud demands covered. They’ll be hosting the Whiti Food Fest at Soldiers Memorial Park. Real fruit ice cream, Hawaiian tropical delights, magic shakes, gluten-free dosas and a dish that dishes up the wonder of halloumi, falafel and beans will all be on the menu. Entry will be by donation, and the food on offer from 4pm until 8pm . . . washed down with live music and entertainment.
Monday has been scheduled as a back-up rain day.