Ngongotaha's Christmas in the Skatepark could become an annual event thanks to the support of local businesses.
The event, which was held on Saturday, was a way to give back to the community and for youth and their families to get involved in developing a positive community image.
Organiser Mark Kahu said
the impression of youth in Ngongotaha was negative because of the increase in tagging and crime.
"We want to change that negative image."
Local youth helped organise the event and were responsible for various activities on the day, including face painting, a lolly scramble, tug of war, spot prizes, a barbecue and the skateboard competition. Mr Kahu said most Ngongotaha residents went to the event.
"There was probably between 300 and 400 people there," he said.
The main sponsor was the Rotorua Youth Projects Trust.
"But we also had a lot of help from local businesses who provided things for the day."
Mr Kahu said the event would definitely become an annual occurrence because so many local businesses were keen to help out with sponsorship and prizes.
Organiser Jan Kahu said one of the highlights of the day was the tug of war.
"It was the best day I've had in a long time."
All money raised from the stalls and barbecue will go toward the Ngongotaha youth's annual trip to the Parachute Festival at Mystery Creek, Hamilton.
