Our schools: Mahuku's a winner

BY GEMMA REDDELL

Matakana Playcentre created an award-winning scarecrow - Mahuku the taniwha.

Mahuku was a winner in the Scarecrow Festival held at Sheepworld, north of Warkworth, says spokeswoman Miranda Rissman.

She says the playcentre had a huge influx of new members, all adding their creative flair.

"The Scarecrow Festival was met with much anticipation - parents and children all got involved," she says.

"The kids had a great time helping. There were times when Mahuku became a headache, but then the vision was created and what a beauty he was."

"We were thrilled when we learned we had won first place at this year's festival. He is so popular and beautiful we are going to use him again on our float for this year's Santa parade on December 5. Our theme will be underwater sea friends."

She says the children created a legend of Mahuku.

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The Mercury Energy Stars for Starship competition, supporting children in hospital this Christmas, has seen great support from Rodney schools.

They include Whangaparaoa, Orewa, Snells Beach Primary, Huapai District, Waimauku, Parakai and Kaukapakapa.

Blank cardboard stars are transformed into cheerful festive decorations, and each school sends in their best six stars.

Celebrity judges Charlie Panapa, Serena Rongonui and Tumehe Rongonui from TV2's What Now? will select the winning stars to be hung on Starship's Christmas tree on Monday, November 30.

The winning star designers also receive a Fujifilm digital camera and $1000 of Scholastic books for their school.

All stars entered will be hung throughout wards and patients' rooms to brighten up the hospital for Starship's Christmas party.

- © Fairfax NZ News