Around 8000 people descended on Ohakune for the annual Carrot Carnival, with local Police helping grow community connections.
The event, held every King’s Birthday weekend, included stalls and displays from local organisations and businesses, along with entertainment and amusement rides.
With the giant carrot sculpture at the heart of the celebrations, it was a sea of orange as locals, businesses, tourists and visitors mingled and enjoyed a piece of carrot cake.
Ohakune Frontline Support Officer Rebecca Davis and PST Senior Constable Howie Iraia organised the Police stall and were supported by their colleague Constable Jordan Rikys.
“We had a steady stream of people come and chat with us throughout the day and they were super happy to meet their local cops and asked us lots of questions,” says Rebecca.
“Kids and their parents had fun trying out our vertical jump test and taking pictures at our photo booth, along with trying on some Police gear, enjoying some colouring-in sheets and taking some pictures in our patrol vehicles.
“We received a wide range of questions, from recruitment to crime prevention, and it was a great opportunity to engage with our communities.”
This important event in the rural calendar celebrated a special milestone this year – 40 years ago the iconic carrot sculpture was presented to Ohakune and installed at what is now the Carrot Adventure Park.
The much-loved carnival also includes a carrot cake competition, the Kids' Carrot Creation, and the annual Growers versus Locals Games.
“Community policing is prevention and care in its most effective form,” says Rebecca.
“Being a part of these events is a double deal – it shows that we support ‘our place’ and what the locals are trying to achieve.
“It also allows Police to be a natural part of the town’s celebrations at a grassroots level, along with demystifying what cops do, and helps the public see that we live, work, and play in the same place they do.”
Fire and Emergency and St John also supported the carnival, which is organised by a committee of dedicated volunteers.
“The atmosphere at the Carrot Carnival was the best of small-town manaakitanga and old-fashioned fun and hospitality,” says Rebecca.
“A big thank you to the organisers for having us, and next year we hope to add AOS and police dogs to our stall.”