A male lion pictured in 2016 at Paradise Valley Springs in Rotorua, which has just celebrated 85 years in operation. Photo / Dean Purcell
A male lion pictured in 2016 at Paradise Valley Springs in Rotorua, which has just celebrated 85 years in operation. Photo / Dean Purcell
A local wildlife park has marked its 85th anniversary by supporting the Rotorua Salvation Army Foodbank with food and cash donations.
Paradise Valley Springs park manager Olivia Foster told the Rotorua Daily Post it marked the big birthday with a celebration on December 12.
About 80 people attended, including former and current staff, other tourism operators and RotoruaNZ staff.
The event was also an opportunity for the business to collect food and cash donations for the Rotorua Daily Post’s Christmas Appeal for the foodbank, which is now in its final week.
The six-week appeal, supported by The Hits Rotorua 97.5FM, launched on November 9, and the Salvation Army has been “blown away” by the more than $78,000 in food, gifts and cash donated so far.
The annual event aims to collect donations to help fill the foodbank’s shelves through the holiday period and into next year.
The Paradise Valley Springs donations would be dropped off to the Salvation Army on Thursday.
Cake was on the menu as Paradise Valley Springs in Rotorua celebrated 85 years in operation on December 12.
Paradise Valley Springs is based in a bush setting in Ngongotahā and home to wildlife ranging from farm animals and native birds to trout and even a pride of African lions.
Foster said it was important for the business to support the Salvation Army and local families to provide a “nice, festive, happy Christmas”.
“Obviously, we know that we’re pretty fortunate to still be operating ... and making money during this time, but it’s not always the case for everybody else.
Stuart Hamlett, who bought Paradise Valley Springs in 1975 with his brother John Hamlett, and Asia director Annie Clare pictured at the 85th anniversary.
“I think it’s just important to spread that cheer and make sure everybody can have a good time over the festive season.”
Foster thanked everyone who attended its anniversary celebration and brought donations for the foodbank.
She said the park opened in 1939 and had always been a family-owned and operated business.
Brothers Stuart and John Hamlett bought the park in 1975. Stuart’s daughter, Jo Sanders, is the current managing director of the park.
Foster said the owners wanted to acknowledge the achievement of having a business that has “been open for so long”.
She said one of the park’s major achievements was its lion pride.
“That was a pretty big addition, in having to build a space for them and everything.”
Foster said the park had funded different conservation efforts, including the Kea Conservation Trust and the Fiordland Wapiti Foundation.
She said summer was one of its busiest times considering the school holidays and long weekends, as it was a “family-orientated attraction”.
‘Blown away’
Salvation Army Rotorua ministries manager Darnielle Hoods said the generosity of the “incredible Rotorua community” during this year’s appeal had left the team feeling “blown away”.
“Thanks to your kindness, so far we have received an incredible 18,899 food items, $22,200 in cash and voucher donations, and 372 presents – an overall value of $78,735.
Rotorua Salvation Army community ministries manager Darnielle Hoods. Photo / Andrew Warner
“This tremendous support has already started to bring hope, joy and much-needed relief to so many families in need this Christmas. Your compassion and willingness to give truly reflect the heart of our community.”
She thanked everyone who had donated for standing with the Salvation Army team to make a difference.
“Together, we are spreading love and care where it’s needed most.”
