Our treasures: Fun for all when fathers get in free

Plenty going on at Kiwi North on Father's Day. Photo / Supplied

On Father's Day, Kiwi North opened its attractions and exhibitions free of charge for fathers accompanied by their children.

A wonderful sunny day with much to experience was supplied for the gratification and delight of the many attendees.

All the visitor reports were positive and a great day was had by all. With the wild weather we have had recently, we know how lucky we were on the day.

Unfortunately the paddocks that visitors usually park on during Kiwi North Heritage Park events were waterlogged so alternative parking was a challenge. Barnardos was the driving force of this event, led by Shirley Drake.

We thank Skip (Strategies with Kids/Information for Parents) which generously funded the day with the assistance of local sponsors Repco, the Warehouse, Toll Stadium, More FM and Mitre 10.

It was the generosity of these people and organisations that enabled the great day to be so successful.

The attractions gave all the visitors much to see and do.

Barnardos organised games, including the parachute game, and had a first aid station.

It also supplied all the barbecue food free. Kiwi North provided heritage games and manned one of two barbecues. The other was manned by the Men's Shed. The Pulse organised dart throwing and hammering. Hippy supervised popular gloop and play dough activities. Jigsaw North Fostering Kids organised games. Bream Bay Trust had a display in the marquee.

Hazel came with her greatly admired horse, Kauri, and Shirley and James with their miniature horses and cart were the usual drawcard. Channel North filmed the proceedings. North Tec face-painted and played hula hoops with the children. Ringa Ata Whai mounted a display in the marquee.

There was a health bus run by Plunket. Doug the Digger taught fathers and children the intricate use of diggers. Free train rides, big and small, were popular and the clubs were open for the dads' delight.

What a wonderful happy day.

• Kiwi North (Whangarei Museum, Kiwi House and Heritage Park) is open daily from 10am to 4pm.