Hawke’s Bay students’ $3,000 fundraising target to get to Invercargill

Three Hawke’s Bay pupils have launched a fundraising drive to earn $3,000 to get to the AgriKidsNZ Grand Final in Invercargill.

The trio from Ongaonga School qualified for the event by winning the fiercely-contested East Coast AgriKidsNZ Regional Final in February.

Leah Bibby, Sophie Beamish and Hamish Dunderdale, who’re known as the Ongaonga Milkyways, beat 42 other teams.

“I’m excited, but also nervous about heading to grand final in July,” said Leah.

“I’m proud to be representing our school and central Hawke’s Bay,” said Hamish.

None of the Year 8 students have been to Invercargill before. To get there, they each have to raise about $1,000.

The trio is selling firewood, cooking BBQ lunches at school, has launched a stock drive, and will hold a quiz night on April 27th.

Tickets for the event, which starts at 6.30pm at the Ongaonga Hall, cost $15 per person.

“I’d like as many people as possible to come to the quiz night because it’s going to be exciting and helps us raise money,” said Sophie.

East Coast FMG Young Farmer of the Year Patrick Crawshaw will be a special guest.

“Getting from the East Coast all the way down to Invercargill is no easy feat for the AgriKidsNZ or TeenAg competitors,” said Patrick.

“I hope lots of people get along to the quiz night to support them.”

The aim of the AgriKidsNZ competition is to get kids excited about a career in the primary industries.

Pupils tackle a series of fun challenges and modules which test their practical and theoretical skills.

“Leah and I have competed in the grand final before,” said Sophie. “This time I hope we get a placing, but to get in the top 10 would be good.”

The students will also take part in a special workshop as part of their training.

“Parents bring in weeds for them to identify and NZ Young Farmers members provide shearing hand pieces to assemble,” said teacher Amy McIlroy.

“Our sponsors and other agricultural experts also run modules. It’s worked really well in the past.”

The AgriKidsNZ Grand Final will see 21 teams, consisting of 63 students from across New Zealand, competing.

The event will run alongside the prestigious FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final.

To register your team name and members for the quiz night email amcilroy@ongaonga.school.nz

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