Children’s Day 2025 was a wonderful celebration of community and connection, held on Sunday 2 March at Hamilton Park. With perfect weather and plenty of sunshine, the park was the ideal spot for whānau to gather and enjoy the day. There was something for everyone, from pony cart rides and live entertainment to obstacle courses and face painting. The bouncy castles, funded by the Hokonui Hauora Fund, were a huge hit with the tamariki, offering hours of fun for all ages. With over 1000 people attending throughout the afternoon and queues for the miniature trains stretching past 4.15pm, it’s safe to say the event exceeded expectations, and many people said it had “the best vibe yet.”

The day was all about whakawhānaungatanga (building relationships, fostering connections), and it was heartwarming to see whānau come together, whether it was grandparents watching mokopuna on the obstacle course or visitors from overseas getting their picture taken with the Fame Frame. The Children’s Day planning team was also lucky to have a fantastic group of volunteers, including students from Maruawai Senior Campus and cadets from the ATC, who helped with everything from the BBQ to setting up and clearing away. Local heroes like the Gore Volunteer Fire Brigade and Police were also there, chatting with families and showing the tamariki the fire engine. The event was a great reminder of how important it is to come together as a community. Feedback was all positive, with families loving the space at Hamilton Park, the relaxed atmosphere, and the fact that everything was free. The Children’s Day planning team is so grateful to everyone who made this day possible, from the funders to the volunteers, and of course, the whānau who came along to share the fun!