Pulling a train proves a blast for youngsters

After taking part in Kawakawa's Puff & Pull Carnival on Sunday these Otangarei Marae Youth Club youngsters and supporters would like to start a local tug-a-truck contest.

Otangarei Marae Youth Club members who travelled to Kawakawa to put their backs into the Puff & Pull contest are inspired to get their own powerhouse contest going.

The Youth Club would now like to set up a similar kind of community contest in Otangarei, possibly pulling a truck or a bus.

The Puff & Pull event provided the youth club members with their first experience pulling a train, said Makoare Hoterene, the new Otangarei community development officer.

"We had 35 children aged 5 to 12 years old along with parents and supporters," Mr Hoterene said.

"To train and prepare for the event, we improvised and used what resources and materials were available to us. We tied ropes to a van and had the children pull it from one end of the car park to the other."

The team's pull time in Kawakawa on Sunday was 2:05, three seconds behind Kawakawa Primary who took first place.

"We want to thank all the children, parents and supporters who made the day possible and enjoyable," Mr Hoterene said.

"Our tamariki had a blast. They would also like to thank 155 Whare for their financial assistance towards the day and to the Puff & Pull organisers. What an awesome event. We will be back."