Paparoa Possum Purge strikes fear into possums

For the last three years the Paparoa Primary School PTA Possum Purge has hunted and plucked possums at their annual Possum Purge, with over 800 of the furry creatures weeded out last year. This year organizers are hoping for more. 

The possum hunt is part of the solution for controlling possums in the area, teaching students about possums as a pest, and raising funds from the sale of the fur. 

This years’ hunt will take place on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 September with a sausage sizzle and prizegiving on Sunday 16 September from 11am at Paparoa School. 

Sponsors including Fonterra, Stirling Sports, 100% Fergus Appliances Maungaturoto and other local businesses have been fantastic supporters, with hunters vying for at least $3000 worth of prizes. 

Categories include most possums, most plucked fur, best team name, as well as lots of spot prizes for adults and kids, including kids heaviest possum. All pre-registrations will go into a draw for a Mangonui Holiday Weekend. Registration is only $10 for adults, while kids with adults are free. 

Fun family activities, including face painting, bouncy castle and kids competitions will be at the prizegiving.

Registration forms are available now now from Paparoa Primary School, Paparoa Hotel, 100% Fergus Appliances Maungaturoto, Stirling Sports Whangarei, Paparoa school website www.paparoa.school.nz or email hames.jones@xtra.co.nz. For more information contact Libby Jones or Pete Hames (09) 4316 822.