Stadium praised as venue for fundraiser

The Forsyth Barr Stadium proved a ''superb'' venue for Dunedin's latest Relay for Life event at the weekend, and about $200,000 has already been raised for the Cancer Society, organisers said.

Society Otago-Southland divisional chief executive Mike Kernaghan said the biennial event had previously been held at the Caledonian Ground, where it had been called off at midnight four years ago because of bad weather.

A total of 108 teams - up from 102 two years ago - comprising up to 2000 participants had taken part in the latest 24-hour relay, which began at noon on Saturday.

Given that more money was coming in, fundraising could come close to the $230,000 raised in the previous Dunedin event, much of this to be devoted to cancer research.

Participants had responded positively to the stadium venue, Mr Kernaghan said.

The new venue offered more comfort, without the rain, wind and heavy dew which had proved uncomfortable when the relay was being undertaken outdoors, without protection from the elements.

And stadium organisers had also been very helpful.

Other key advantages included having modern toilet facilities readily available, and large screens which could be used to display large images of musicians while they were performing, and to show pre-recorded video clips from other relay groups elsewhere in the country.

Relay for Life's slogan - ''Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back''- had been powerfully reflected throughout the Dunedin event, including a ''poignant'' candlelit remembrance at 9pm on Saturday.

Members of the family of the late Hannah Hiku (nee Brinsdon) travelled from throughout the country to take part in the relay, to celebrate her memory, as ''Team Hannah'', also attending a memorial event for her yesterday.

Among the relay's side attractions was the

''Newspaper Wearable Arts'' event, backed by Allied Press Ltd, publishers of the Otago Daily Times and Star community newspaper.

One of the relay's masters of ceremonies, Nicky Rennie, and Mr Kernaghan judged the arts show yesterday morning, awarding first place to an impressive tutu ballet outfit. Other entries included a huge sombrero, a Madonna outfit, a Roman centurion and an ensemble designed to turn heads at the races.

Otago-Southland divisional events manager Tammy Jackman said organisers were ''absolutely delighted'' with the success of the first Wearable Arts event at the Dunedin relay.

And stadium organisers had provided a ''really fantastic package'' throughout.

-john.gibb@odt.co.nz