Falesiu Fotu is the toast of Okaihau after she won a fun day for the town's primary school and a chance for the kids to meet All Black Cory Jane.
Mrs Fotu, a member of the town's thriving Tongan community, won a Sanitarium competition through New World in Kaikohe entitling the school of her choice to a day of activities, games and healthy kai. She chose Okaihau Primary, which five of her now grown-up children attended.
The school's 125 kids spent Wednesday competing in tugs-of-war, horizontal bungee, a rugby-themed bouncy castle challenge and Sing Star. As well as a bit of mutual teasing, Cory Jane joined in the tug-of-war - he blamed his teams' losses on recent knee surgery - and had his photo taken with every child.
"As soon as I turned up the kids were energetic and willing to have a bit of fun," he said.
The All Black winger was keen to come back to the Far North after an enjoyable visit to Kerikeri High School last year.
The fun day doubled as a fundraiser to help the school buy a class set of 30 HP computer tablets. Sanitarium donated three tablets on Wednesday, as well as signed All Black clothing for a fundraising raffle.
The competition won by Mrs Fotu was open to anyone who bought Weetbix or Up&Go.
Northern Advocate photographer Michael Cunningham captured all the fun and action from the 2024 Northland Fritter Festival, held at Semenoff Stadium on Saturday, March 9.
Captain's run for Blues rugby team at Semenoff Stadium, Okara Park, Whangarei, Sam Nock feeds the ball out during the Captain's run. Photo/ by Michael Cunningham
About 75 crews took part in the BP Surf Rescue North Island IRB Championships at Waipu Cove on February 10 and 11, where sunshine and medium-sized waves made for a great event.
Regatta was welcomed to Whangārei-te-rerenga-parāoa (Whangārei harbour) with a pōwhiri conducted by hapū Patuharakeke as about 580 passengers disembarked.
Thousands marched through Whangārei as part of Budget Day national protest against some of the coalition Government’s policies relating to Māori and the environment.
