Possum and Pest Hunt Raises $40,000 for Te Ranga School Playground

More than 1,200 pests were removed from the environment around Te Ranga School as a result of this year's Possum and Pest Hunt. The three-day hunt culminated in a gala at the school where numbers were tallied, with around 700 people attending the much-loved event. The hunt brought in 813 possums, 311 rabbits and hares, 88 wallabies, 10 pigs, 21 deer, 11 goats, and eight rats.

The gala featured environmental education stands, a bush classroom showcase, and Year 7-8 students running market stalls as part of an enterprise unit. Early estimates suggest close to $40,000 was raised, providing a brilliant first step toward the school's goal of $170,000 to replace the playground. Principal Aimee Kennedy noted that the current playground is over 30 years old and overdue for an upgrade, with community members sharing fond memories of playing on it decades ago.

Originally published in Te Puke News by Sun Media.