No decision on school's possum tossing

A rural Manawatu school is not revealing whether there will be a repeat of its dead possum throwing competition at this year's gala. File photo / Thinkstock

A rural Manawatu school whose dead possum throwing competition generated an outcry from animal lovers around the world is staying mum on whether there will be a repeat at this year's gala.

Colyton School announced a throwing competition at their annual Possum Hunt and Gala but the question of whether marsupial carcasses will be heaved remained open.

The gala is a major fundraiser for the school but animal lovers were outraged when pictures of dead possums being hurled appeared in the Manawatu Standard newspaper in October.

Colyton School principal and gala organiser Colin Martin told the newspaper a final decision had not been made.

"The flyer has said there is a throwing contest, but whether possums will be thrown, we'll probably work it out on the day.''

The stoush made headlines in Britain, the United States and Australia - where possums are protected - and Mr Martin said he was keen to avoid any protests at this year's gala.

Palmerston North SPCA manager Danny Auger said he had nothing against people killing possums in a humane way, but was opposed to their carcasses being hurled for fun.

The hunt started on Friday and will end of August 7 - the same day as the gala.

Mr Martin hoped to raise at least $5000 towards extra staffing at the school.

- NZPA