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.
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