Last hurrah for organisers

The popular seaside town of Pounawea lies between the Owaka river (left) and the Catlins river...
The popular seaside town of Pounawea lies between the Owaka river (left) and the Catlins river and sits 4km from Owaka. It has a small permanent population and a large number of holiday cribs. Photo: Stephen Jaquiery
It could be the last time New Year’s Eve is celebrated with a bang at Pounawea.

The volunteer group which has run the event for more than 15 years has decided to call it a day, but is on the lookout for new organisers.

Volunteer Linda Mason said it was time for some fresh eyes.

"We’ve been doing this for a long time, and most of us are in our 70s and 80s, so it’s time for someone else. We’ve done our dash."

Linda Mason
Linda Mason
The event had changed little since it was first held and always drew a good crowd, Ms Mason said.

"It’s good old-fashioned family fun.

"We’ve had the same band every year, and it’s a really family-oriented event."

She would like a group with a "bit of enthusiasm" to take it over, she said.

"It doesn’t take much to organise. It’s basically making sure the actual day goes smoothly.

"It’s about bringing enjoyment to the families."

The group had raised enough money over the years to leave some money to the Pounawea playground, she said.

"We want them to have some sort of new equipment."

Usually, about 500 to 600 people participated in the New Year’s celebrations at Pounawea.

"It would be good for someone to take it over. We’re more than willing to work alongside them in handing it over."

matthew.littlewood@odt.co.nz