Big Rock Primary School year 8 pupil Stevie Kahui (12) celebrates, surrounded by flags and classmates for the school’s community night last night. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH

All corners of the globe headed to Brighton last night.

Big Rock Primary School hosted a Matariki and Aotearoa New Zealand histories event for the school and wider Brighton community.

The school had been studying New Zealand history and a selection of work from all of the children was on display.

But more importantly the school had a shared meal with a lamb on a spit, a venison barbecue, sausages, steak, meat patties, a venison bush casserole and a vegetarian curry.

Families were encouraged to bring a plate of food to share that is special to their family.

Twenty-five flags flew at the school to represent all of the nationalities and cultures in the school community.

Principal David Grant said it was an apt time to celebrate the occasion on the shortest day of the year with Matariki just around the corner.

There was also a New Zealand history quiz for families to take part in on the night, with plenty of prizes up for grabs.

A crowd of about 200 turned out.

— Staff reporter