One man’s enthusiasm and deep care for Te Anau has produced a ‘celebration of community’ in today’s uncertain world of Covid-19.

Te Anau man, Dave Vernon, moved to Te Anau with his wife, Carol, from Western Australia in 2018.

Since then the couple have been overwhelmed with the positive community spirit they have encountered there.

“Every day I wake up here and think this is a beautiful town with beautiful people”.

When the country was put into lockdown under Covid-19 Level four restrictions in March, Mr Vernon’s immediate concern was how the community would cope with the isolation and what would life be like once the lockdown was lifted. “Would we still be that caring community I had come to know”.

He floated a suggestion via social media for a post-lockdown party as something to look forward to, especially for families who had suddenly found themselves isolated from family and friends for (at that stage) an unknown period.

He said the response he received was amazing, and he was joined by seven more equally enthusiastic community members, who each brought a skill set and network of contacts, and formed a committee to ensure the celebration party happened.

“I could never have done this by myself and really it’s down to the committee members who have made this happen,” he said. “It’s all credit to them.”

He said people had just risen to the occasion and given freely of their time, skills and enthusiasm.

The result is a “free” Family Fun Day to be held on Sunday (5 July) in the Real Journeys Event Centre in Te Anau’s town centre.

The party was originally planned to take place in Lions Park but, with the weather being doubtful at this time of year, it was decided to move it to an indoors venue.

Mr Vernon said a huge programme including entertainment, free food and drinks was on offer and he imagined that it would also be a great time for people to catch up with each other for the first time since lockdown.

The day’s lineup includes fun activities such as a bouncy castle, local entertainment from talented musicians and singers, including an appearance from the Wonky Donkey author and entertainer, Craig Smith.

Donations of food and drinks, along with any other associated costs, had been met by local businesses and individuals so nobody would have to pay a cent to come along and just have some fun, Mr Vernon said.