Remember when old-fashioned carnivals were the highlight of the school year, offering an annual event aimed at getting the school community together, giving children the chance to participate in various fundraisers and making money for a special purpose? 

School gala days and carnivals aren’t as common as they used to be, given how the modern world now operates, communicates and fundraises. But for Takapuna Primary School, the carnival is a bi-annual event the school would not do without. Not only are the students  part of a project, but parents, staff and their representatives on the PTA make a difference right through the planning stages.

This year’s carnival is the first with a vintage theme… and the organisers are excited about the results. “The Vintage Carnival is an event for the whole community,” PTA member Mandy Holten says. “We are a diverse cultural school, and we look forward to celebrating that through some of our food stalls and entertainment.”

The school opened in 1879, and honours those who served in WW1 on Memorial Gates at its Anzac St entrance. It celebrates diversity with more than 50 nationalities, such as: New Zealand European, Māori, Samoan, Fijian, Niuean, Tongan, Chinese, Korean, Indian, Filipino, Middle Eastern, Latin American, African, British, Irish, Australian, Japanese, Sri Lankan, Vietnamese and Italian.

“We invite everyone to join us on our school grounds for a day of old-fashioned family fun, with rides, stalls, food, music and much more,” Mandy says.

The Vintage Carnival will be held on Saturday 2nd November from 1-7pm – rain or shine. The funds raised will be used to enhance the school’s indoor (new classroom spaces) and outdoor environments.