Hall party raises $22K for school

Businesses, community back Poroutawhao School

Poroutawhao School’s Hall Party at the weekend raised more than $22,000 for the school. The annual Poroutawhao School community party raised the huge amount through ticket sales, a licensed bar, and the auctioning of donated items through the generosity of local businesses.

Organised by the Poroutawhao Support Group, the money would go towards the school’s outdoor area, including a more significant vegetable garden and possibly a new glasshouse and chicken coop.

Merrin Easton, from the Poroutawhao Support Group, said: “We are so grateful for the support of those that attended our event and we are really blown away with the funds raised. A lot of effort went in, so to see it pay off like this is amazing.”

The school hall was “transformed with silks, greenery and festoon lights, complete with a rustic bar, wool press bar leaners and wine barrels”.

Guests were treated to cocktails and locally made cuisine prepared and served by school parents and community members.

The crowd enjoyed a lively auction led by the renowned auctioneer and ex-pupil Jamie Cunninghame, who ran the three rounds of auctions. More than 40 businesses and families donated goods for auction.

These ranged from family adventure packages, weekends away, a house party from local band the Dunes, produce boxes, 250 metres of domeloc fencing, and a signed Crusader Players Jersey.

Poroutawhao School principal Nikki Harland said: “The event shows the true commitment of our rural community to its primary school. The night was a huge success and allows the school to provide opportunities for the children beyond the constraints of normal funding.”

The event had the support of a host of local businesses, including Swazi, The Sandpit Waita¯rere, Lewis Farms, Mitchpine, Merrin Easton Photography, The Baked Dane, Foxton Fizz , Ocean Beach Eatery, Levin Paper Plus, Off The Loop Wake Park, Melissa Teal Nails and Make Up, Kate Martin Dance, Simon and Merrin Easton, Dutchy’s Burger Joint, Staglands Wildlife Reserve, Louise Duncan Hair Design, Farm Source, CS Law, Levin and Horowhenua Vet Centre, Simply Clean, Levin East Electrical, Mapou Magic-Bachcare, The Dunes, FMG, Two Mile Bay Sailing Club, Chris Jolly Outdoors, Taupo¯ , Taupo¯ Bungy, BS Young, Ollie’s Bar and Eatery, Levin Aquatic Centre, Corey Prouting Hockey Coach, Ensol, (Cervus) John Deere, Crusaders (through Cathryn and Ethan Pollock), Genoese, Ravensdown, Wayne Henderson Contracting, Carrfields, Farmlands, Waita¯rere 4 Square, Jamie Cunninghame (auctioneer), Levin Party Hire.