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An intense six-months of work culminated in three days of colourful activity in Matakana recently when locals held MatCARnival and raised $45,000 towards the cost of a new carpark.
The new facility on Matakana Road will provide a safe school drop off, as well as a place for visitors to park on weekends.
Event coordinator Barbara Souter, of behalf of the Matakana Community Group, said locals donned carnival costumes and joined in with professional dancers and bands to create a great carnival atmosphere.
Around 180 guests attended a Grand Gala opening night at Plume Restaurant, which was the major sponsor.
An auction run by Mark Macky and his team at Bayley’s Real Estate saw more than 60 items and services sold in live and silent auctions.
“A total of $30,000 was raised under the hammer, with a further $9000 donated by Clyde and Farida Cooper, of Plume Restaurant, for the hospitality on the night.”
The weekend continued with entertainment in the village on Saturday morning and culminated with a family day at the Matakana Country Park.
“We couldn’t have created such a perfect celebration in Matakana without all the voluntary hours spent by locals,” Barbara said.
“On the big Sunday at the Country Park a large number of people donated their time to ensure the event ran smoothly and safely. John Baker’s Country Park was perfect for the occasion and his generosity in providing equipment, manpower and professional event management in Fiona Angus made for a very memorable event.”
