Variety Show a success
Published on 13 April 2023
On Sunday, 2 April talented performers from across Waitaki tread the boards at the Ōamaru Opera House to raise funds for the Far North District as part of the Adopt a Community Programme in the recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle.
Councillor Tim Blackler said, “As well as us holding the variety concert, the team and residents at Northanjer and Southanjer also decided they wanted to do something for the Far North District, so they initiated a raffle to raise funds. It made sense to work together and link things up to give the raffle a final push at the concert.”
With 322 tickets for the show and a total of 1,050 raffle tickets sold, the event and raffle raised almost $10,000 which will go directly to the Far North Mayoral Relief Fund.
“The aim was around $10,000 and we raised a combined $9,475 so we are absolutely thrilled that the joint effort by all raised so much for the cause,” said Cr Blackler.
Residents and team put together 13 hampers which included various accommodation packages, pamper packs, and food items. All the prizes were donated by local businesses, residents, team or family members. A Waitaki Rest Home Olympics was also held at the Ōamaru Club with proceeds also heading toward the fund.
Local businesses who contributed toward the raffle include Hyde Boutique, HiFlo Group, Restate Real Estate, Campbells Butchery, My Skin & Beauty, Old Bones Lodge, Ōamaru Pharmacy, Heath 2000, La Beaute Skin & Beauty, Brydone Wholefoods, Musical Theatre Ōamaru, New World, Mitre10, Four Square and Mariner Suites.
Musical Theatre Ōamaru, Dan Lewis and Dave Devon were instrumental in the technical success on the day and Council team members, Councillors, Youth Councillors and the team at the Ōamaru Opera House supported a lot of the behind-the-scenes aspects of the show.
Cr Blackler continued, “A big thanks to the community for supporting the show and also for the raffle purchases both before and on the day. A number of people’s efforts and enthusiasm was instrumental in successfully raising these funds and it showcased the wonderful community spirit that Waitaki has.”
Far North District Mayor, Moko Tepania sent a video shout out to acknowledge the effort put in by Waitaki. “On behalf of our council I want to wish a huge thanks, a huge mihi, to all of you down there for adopting us as part of Local Government New Zealand’s adopt a community scheme.”
Mayor Gay Kircher was thrilled with the result. “It was an absolutely fantastic result which will help some of the most affected people in the Far North District. I want to personally acknowledge the efforts by all the volunteers at the show, but in particular, I want to thank Cr Blackler for his dedication and skill in bringing the whole show together. Without him, it simply wouldn’t have happened.”
Adopt a District is a nationwide initiative that connects councils with regions devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle. It is a way for mayors, councils, and the community alike to reach out and provide support - community to community.
ENDS