Media release
27 February 2012

Head to Omana for loads of fun

Tractor and trailer rides, face painting, animals, entertainment, sausage sizzles and special bird releases are just some of the activities on offer at Omana Children’s Day.

On Sunday 11 March, from 10am to 3pm, Omana Regional Park will roar into action with the biggest family fun day on the park’s calendar, says ranger Mags Ramsey.

“Omana Children’s Day is eagerly awaited by families all along the Pohutukawa Coast and we often get around 6,000 people through the gates,” says Mags. “They make the most of the views of the Hauraki Gulf, the stunning coastal scenery and the many free activities on offer.”

Old favourites include tractor and trailer rides across the Omana paddocks to the woolshed, where sheep are being shorn. Vintage tractors are also on show.

For the first time, there will be alpacas at the park and Mandy Robertson from Whitford’s Wild Bird Care Centre will be releasing birds that she has nursed back to health. The Kiwi Conservation Club and Wekawatch will also be at the park.

“As well as being a farm, Omana is a great place to see and care for wildlife,” says Mags. “We have gone with a bird theme for Children’s Day this year and have native bird colouring in, bird tattoos and will be releasing a small blue penguin and a morepork back into the wild.”

Other activities include bouncy castles, a merry-go-round for the littlies, gumboot throwing, fishing (for wooden fish) and blindfold trails – one through the bush and one in a maze made out of hay bales. In the Scout Village, scouts, cubs and guides will be flinging wet sponges, tying knots and challenging you to take on the rope bridge crossing. Manukau Leisure will have their BMX course for over-8’s and Te Puru Centre will be daring you to try their obstacle course.

There is a continuous puppet show, Starfish Magic, Lion Dancers from Botany Downs Secondary College and the Omana Talent Show, where kids from Maraetai and Beachlands schools have the chance to strut their stuff, runs from 12pm – 1pm.

Entry and parking are free and all activities are free apart from a $2 charge for the tractor and trailer rides. Locals are encouraged to use the Beachlands-Maraetai Walkway to walk or cycle to the event, or to park at Te Puru, take the walkway bridge and come in through the campground Bring a picnic, visit the food stalls or support one of the local community groups by buying a sausage.

ENDS

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