Today the Bay's possums and pigs had better watch out as Te Ranga School's annual hunting event kicks off.
In its 15th year, it is the first time the school has added pigs to the fundraiser, says organiser Julie Christie, parent of 9-year-old Emma at the school.
The event has become a tradition organised by a core of parents at the school.
"Our possum teams can consist of a maximum of four people but our pig entrants are solo," Julie says.
They will be competing for a cash prize pool of $3500 and a number of spot prizes will also be handed out.
Possums may be caught by poison, trap or gun and on Sunday when they are brought in for their weigh in, they are immediately plucked.
"We just pluck the fur off (with machines) - and it takes a few days to get through all our possums," Julie says.
"Last year we had 1085 possums to de-fur.
"The possum fur is sold to a fur dealer in Whakatane and that is where our funds come from."
Julie says the event is a family one with many children involved in their parents' teams.
To add to the fun this year, the pig hunters can also test their strength and fitness by competing in "The Killer Hill Pig Run."
"Killer Hill is the nickname the kids give to a steep hill outside school which they do their cross country on.
"When the hunters bring their pigs in, it is an option to compete in a race where they run uphill with a pig on their back," Julie says.
A Toss the Poss trophy is also up for grabs. The name says it all.
There will be a charity auction on the Sunday and lots include Red Stag Gates & Fencing vouchers, a Ballance Agri-Nutrients urea voucher (500kg), a Vivian Edgar Optometrists eye exam voucher, Fishers Cook Island black pearl pendants, a Travelcom Travel voucher; a meal/dessert and beer/wine tasting (for four) at De Bier Haus Tauranga, a Visique Te Puke eye exam and glasses voucher, Coastline Honda Tauranga vouchers, a Briar's Horse Trek voucher and a Panasonic drill.
"We thought it would be hard to raise funds after the year we have had," Julie says.
"But it is almost as if, because of the year that we have had that people wanted to contribute to make sure that it is a great few days."
The events starts today and closes with prizegiving at Te Ranga Hall on Sunday.
There are prize categories for the pig and possum competitions.
A top cash prize of $1000 is offered to the team producing the most possums and for the average weight pig. There is $500 for the second most possums and the heaviest boar, $250 for third most possums and for the best set of tusks.
Spot prizes include the best team name, the heaviest possum and for anyone who guesses the final tally of possums.
A cooked brunch will be free for the registered hunters.
Food and hot drinks will be available for purchase at the school hall.
The Fine Print
WHAT: Te Ranga School's possum and pig hunt
WHEN: July 19-22, with count and weigh in Sunday, July 22, 9am to 11am at Te Ranga Hall
WHERE: 1492 Te Matai Rd, Te Puke
HOW: Contact Julie Christie 07 573 5929