Sun, fun, and something for everyone at Friendly Bay

Published on 11 March 2026

A record crowd turned out on Saturday for the annual Friendly Bay Family Fun Day, enjoying a sun-filled event packed with activities for all ages.

This year’s Fun Day highlighted whānau well-being and inclusive, free entertainment, with the site arranged into three themed zones: water activities and beach fun, family fun, and community well-being.

Kayaking and boat rides proved especially popular on the water, alongside classic competitions such as the beach dig and sandcastle contest. In the family fun zone, the sand saucer art activity hosted by Best Start Kindy and Waitaki Community Gardens captivated visitors, while the Toy Library delighted younger children with a variety of play equipment.

House of Breakthrough kept the bigger kids bouncing, and Oamaru Penguins offered interactive educational displays. Older tamariki also rose to the challenge with the “Give It a Go” volleyball tournament and basketball layup competition.

The Whānau Wellbeing Zone brought together a wide range of community organisations. Oamaru Pacific Island Trust and Te Hā o Maru offered free health checks, Neighbourhood Support taught children how to call 111 in an emergency, and Otago Civil Defence encouraged families and businesses to think about emergency preparedness.

Otago Community Trust and the Multicultural Society were on hand with advice on funding opportunities, St John showcased their new shuttle, Altrusa gave away pre-loved children’s books, and Council educators shared road safety and waste minimisation tips. A dedicated Mums and Bubs tent provided a private, comfortable space for feeding and changing.

The High Viz Hustle relay brought high-energy fun while shining a spotlight on the valuable work of local emergency services. Youth Councillors also contributed throughout the day, supporting activity stations, while Envirostudents from Waitaki Boys’ High School helped staff the Waste Free Waitaki station, ensuring waste was correctly sorted and stray litter kept to a minimum.

Event Coordinator Quinn Hawthorne said the day exceeded expectations.

“I’m so pleased with how the day went. As someone who has recently moved to town,

I’m impressed by how many people and organisations here support our community—it felt like a wonderful showcase of that,” he said.

“We wanted to create an event centred on community well-being and free fun for everyone, and that’s exactly what we achieved. And I’ve got to say, I was super impressed with how sustainable and clean it was—we didn’t see a single piece of rubbish left on the site afterwards, and only minimal waste was collected.”

We'd like to acknowledge and thank the following sponsors and supporters for making it a magical day for so many.

Waitaki Resource Recovery Park, Green by Nature, Sport Waitaki, the Cancer Society, House of Breakthrough, Oamaru Pacific Island Trust, Neighbourhood Support, Riviera Cinema Oamaru, Ferry Road Ponds, Whitestone Contracting Ltd, Subway Oamaru, Oamaru Rowing Club, Kevin Murdoch, Andrew Kingan, Waitaki Boys and Waitaki Boys Enviroclub, House of Breakthrough Youth Group, Waitaki Youth Council and Students Against Dangerous Driving.

Also thanks to our stallholders; Altrusa, Otago Civil Defence, Te Ha o Maru, Waitaki Multicultural, Otago Community Trust, Hato Hone St John, Waitaki Road Safety, Enviroschools, Oamaru Penguins, Oamaru Toy Library, Best Start Kindergarten, Waitaki Community Gardens, Oamaru Scouts, Lions Club Noddy Train.

(Not forgetting Mayor Mel, Deputy Mayor Ryan and Councillors Holding and Lewis for their work on the day!)

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz