It was a beautiful day in Gate Pā on Saturday as the community came together for a fantastic event in ANZAC Park.
What started as a bit of a weather worry with heavy rain the day before turned into a beautiful sunny day for the event. Organised by Western Bay of Plenty Neighbourhood Support and the Haeata Charitable Trust, the Sirens and Services Koha Ice Cream Day was a hit, bringing everyone together for a day of fun, community spirit, and a whole lot of sunshine.
With the support of local businesses and emergency services, there was plenty for families to enjoy. Mainfreight came through with a massive truck as the stage and Kiwi Meats provided sausages for a fundraising sausage sizzle.
Eight different local community service groups set up stalls around the park, including Haeata Charitable Trust, Neighbourhood Support, Fire and Emergency NZ, Tauranga City Council, Bay Financial Advisors, Kids Campus Childcare, Merivale Community, and the SPCA.
Kids had a blast collecting stamps at each stall, and once they’d filled up their cards, they got a free ice cream from Mr Whippy, thanks to a generous donation from Tauranga Mayor Mahē Drysdale.
Local performers Emasarina and Teisha kept the stage busy. The kids even got in on the action with some impromptu open mic performances. At noon Clutsy the Clown brought plenty of giggles and fun for everyone.
Rebecca Larsen, event coordinator for Neighbourhood Support said one of the coolest things about the day was seeing the youth of the community getting involved, especially with the singing.
“It was so heartwarming to see kids confidently take the stage and show off their talents.”
Teisha Patene from Haeata Charitable Trust was thrilled with the turnout and the way the youth engaged with the event.
“The kids really came to life, especially when they got up to sing. It’s such a great way to bring the community together,” she said.
They thanked all the local sponsors who helped make the day, including New World Gate Pā, Gate Pā Green Grocer, Luxe Cinema, Pak‘nSave, and Fire and Emergency NZ, who all donated spot prizes.
The event also gave everyone a sneak peek of what’s to come with the new community centre being built next to the park, with Tauranga City Council representatives there to talk about it.
Councillors Rod Taylor and Marten Roseboom, along with local MP Jan Tinetti, shared their excitement for the upcoming community hub.
Neighbourhood Support wants to connect with those aged 65 and over in the community, with plans to create a special group. Anyone interested can get in touch with Area Coordinator Nga Utunga at nstauranga@wbopns.org.nz. The goal is to eventually use the new community centre.
Rebecca Larsen said the day couldn’t have gone better.
“The community came out, brought their kids, and really connected with the local services. It was a chance to learn about everything our community has to offer, and the atmosphere was just fantastic,” she said.
“The event was a real testament to the power of community – people coming together, making it happen, and having a blast. Plus, all the koha raised from the sausage sizzle and donations went straight to supporting the great work Haeata Charitable Trust is doing with their Activate Programme.”
“Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen – we can’t wait for the next one!”
Link for photos: https://www.facebook.com/NS.Tauranga.WBOP/ Photos by: Stephen Fawcett
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