Celebrating Merivale: Sirens, Services, and Togetherness
Merivale’s Vibrant Celebration: A Day of Unity, Joy, and Whānau Connection
Merivale School recently played host to the third annual Sirens and Services Merivale day, a free, family-focused event that beautifully showcased the spirit of community and the dedication of various organizations committed to wellbeing. Organized by Neighbourhood Support Western Bay of Plenty, the sun-drenched day on May 24, 2025, brought together families for a vibrant celebration of connection, learning, and enjoyment.
The atmosphere was alive with laughter and excitement as attendees indulged in a wide array of free activities. From sizzling sausages and sweet candyfloss to creative face painting and an immersive virtual reality experience, there was something for everyone. A unique “passport” challenge encouraged families to visit different organization booths, collecting stamps and learning about valuable services. Completing the passport earned them a fantastic goody bag filled with household essentials, generously provided by New World.
More than just a fun day out, the Sirens and Services event was a powerful demonstration of community support and collaboration. Twenty-four organizations, including emergency services like the Police, Fire Department, and Hato Hone St John, alongside numerous community support groups, offered valuable information and services. Free health checks, haircuts, safety education, vaccinations, and CPR demonstrations were among the many offerings, all aligned with the event’s theme of “hauora” or “wellbeing.” Attendees gained insights into a wide range of topics, from health screenings to scam prevention, empowering them to make informed decisions for their families.
Event coordinator Rebecca Larsen of Neighbourhood Support Western Bay of Plenty emphasized the importance of strong community relationships, while Gemma Cramp from Merivale Community Centre highlighted the goal for families to “leave with more than they arrived with.” The success of the Sirens and Services Merivale day stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration, reinforcing the strong, connected spirit of Merivale.
The Vector Group Charitable Trust, a keen supporter of this and other community initiatives, champions a vision for sustainable communities that thrive creatively. Their broad mission, encompassing economic and social development, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, family and youth support, community spaces, spiritual care, and cultural diversity, aligns perfectly with events like Sirens and Services, which empower communities and foster a sense of belonging for all.
MerivaleCommunity #WhanauFun #CommunityEvent #SirensAndServices #NeighbourhoodSupport #VectorGroupCharitableTrust #MerivaleSchool #TaurangaEvents #BayOfPlenty #CommunityWellbeing #FamilyDayOut #FreeActivities #NewZealandCommunity #LocalEvent #CommunityEngagement
To learn more about this and other initiatives, and to stay updated on future community events, be sure to visit the Troppo website.
Read more about “A Day of Unity and Joy: Sirens and Services Merivale Celebrates Community and Whānau” at the Troppo website.
