Riders raise funds for school and hall

Around 50 horse riders raised $7500 for Ahuroa School and Community Hall by taking part in a two-day trek through the Kaipara Hills in February.

The annual equine event started from the Berger family farm, off Kokomoriki Hill Road, before wending its way through native bush and hill tracks overlooking the Kaipara Harbour.

Local volunteers provided home-made lunches, a barbecue and a woolshed party at the overnight camping stop.

One of the organisers, Tania Courtine, said the event was a great success enjoyed by riders of all ages.

“The trek went well and the weather was great, and adults and kids and all had a great time,” she said.

“Thank you to all our wonderful trekkers who come to support us every year, the farmers who let us ride through their land, the trek leaders for their route planning and guiding, the wonderful Ahuroa community for all their home baking, salads, breads and meat, the Ahuroa School PTFA and kitchen helpers, and Ahuroa Hall members.”

Courtine also thanked supporters Dan and Nicky Berger, Stephane Courtine, Liezel Hilditch, Ross Tolhopf and the Spiers Family, as well as sponsors Lothlorien Winery, Pak’nSave Warkworth, Hutchinson Consulting Engineers, Shine Aesthetics, Hands in the Dirt, Southern Paprika, Fairview Rodney, Farm & Lifestyle Centre, Fiona Rouse Ray White Warkworth, Hireworks Snells Beach and Carlton Party Hire.