We had a fabulous time on Friday 25th February!

About 350 people attended and enjoyed games, conversation, food. and finished with a sing-along with the Mighty Ukes.  The weather was perfect, we couldn’t have asked for better.

Members of the Residents’ Association and other volunteers acted as hosts, prepared food and organised a variety of activities.  Association member Daphne was a primary organiser – she is a sport and recreation officer with WCC and brought the Push Play equipment. Many thanks also to Ray Tuffin, the WCC Community Advisor for Newtown, and his team for their input in organising and publicising the event. Ray has another role as a golf coach, and spent most of the evening energetically encouraging the young and not-so-young in ‘target golf’ – well done Ray!

The BBQ served regular and halal sausages and veggie skewers and was supported by St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies) volunteers who brought and cooked on their BBQ, by Newtown New World who lent their BBQ and supplied much of the food, and by Wellington Halal Meat Company.

Wellington Zoo were there with an interactive display of some of their smaller critters – wetas! The Police helped out with the sports and games scattered across the Park, and the Fire Service were there with a fire engine and provided education about fire safety and an alarming demonstration of what happens when a pot of cooking oil catches fire.

We also took the opportunity to advance the Our Town Newtown project, and many people spent time talking with Cally O’Neill, the Project Facilitator, about aspects of Newtown under the headings of ‘Love’, ‘Improve’ and ‘Create’.

The evening was a great success in all areas, and we are enthusiastic about doing it again next year.  Thank you to Wellington City Council and Neighbours Day Aotearoa for encouraging these events.