Rotoiti local winner thrilled by Fiji holiday prize

Homeshow Rotorua Fiji trip winner Pat Heydon (left), with helloworld Rotorua's owner/manager Deborah Kay. Photo/Stephen Parker

Lake Rotoiti resident Pat Heydon almost didn't enter helloworld Rotorua's draw to win a trip to Fiji at the Homeshow Rotorua.

So she's thanking her lucky stars she did.

"I'm absolutely ecstatic, I couldn't believe it. It's the biggest prize I've ever won."

The prize, valued at more than $7000, includes flights with Fiji Airways, four nights on Treasure Island before a three-night Captain Cook island cruise.

Mrs Heydon said she loved Fiji, having been there several times.

"I'm looking forward to the trip. I've been on a cruise years ago and loved it. I've been pretty busy since the home show and had forgotten about [the prize] so it's wonderful, I'd like to thank helloworld."

She and her husband, Ron Heydon, will head to Fiji at the end of October following a long-awaited trip to England, Wales and Croatia.

Mr Heydon said when his wife took the call from helloworld Rotorua assistant manager Greig Lysaght to say she had won she thought it was a con.

"She kept on saying "what's the catch?"

He said he had to encourage her to enter at the home show last month despite her initial hesitation.

Owner/manager of helloworld Rotorua Deborah Kay said it was great to be involved with a community event.

"There were over 1800 entries which is stunning. We've had positive feedback, with some people coming along to the Homeshow Rotorua specifically to enter the draw."

She said those who entered were a mix of people who had been to, and loved Fiji, and those who had never been before.

Mrs Kay said they had given away a trip at the Rotorua home show for the past seven years.

"We'll be back next year, we're keen to be involved."