Our Neighbourhood events off with a bang
MEDIA RELEASE
15 December 2009
The first in the continued Our Neighbourhood event series held at Mere Rd Reserve on Friday evening was a ‘cracker’ according to organisers.
More than 300 locals from the Mere Rd community converged on the reserve to enjoy fun and games, bouncy castles, lolly scrambles, live music, and a free BBQ, courtesy of the Taupo District Council.
Strategic Relationships Manager and event organiser Dylan Tahau of Taupo District Council says the event was a blast. “John Ridd [Manager - Parks and Open Spaces] and I had loads of fun, and I think everyone else did as well. It was fantastic to see so many families having fun together and getting to know each other, which is what it’s all about.”
The Mere Rd event was the first in this summers’ continuation of the 2009 Our Neighbourhood series, designed to encourage a sense of community spirit. The event was initially scheduled for Friday 4 December, with rain forcing the postponement to last Friday.
Sport Waikato organised hula-hoop competitions, sack races, and an egg throwing competition, with Councillor Kathryn Uvhagen taking on the role of ‘egg inspector’. “It’s great to see people in the community coming down here and enjoying one of our many beautiful reserves, and just getting to meet and have fun with other people in their neighbourhood,” says Cr Uvhagen.
The next scheduled event is to be held at the Parkdale Reserve in Richmond Heights on 15 Jan 2010. Mr Tahau says the people of Mere Rd have set a high standard, and should be a challenge to the Richmond Heights community to get along.
Mr Tahau also wishes to thank event partners Neighbourhood Support, More FM, Sport Waikato, Life Education Trust, and sponsors Taupo Tourism Holdings and Hirepool for helping to make the event happen.