It’s one of the most anticipated events on the Te Puke area social calendar that attracts attendees from Paengaroa, Pukehina and from across Tauranga.

Pongakawa School’s annual quiz night is back on Saturday, June 7 and shaping up to be the biggest yet with this year’s theme “Once Upon a Legend” already sparking imagination.

“It’s a very broad theme so we’re expecting to see everything from fairytale heroes and Māori myths to iconic New Zealanders,” said PTA member and quiz co-ordinator Jess Siemelink. “It’s a chance for people to really get creative and, as we’ve seen at previous events, they do!”

Second place quiz winners from 2024: The Clueless Clown Clan. Photo / Rianna Robinson

Last year’s quiz night theme of “A Night at the Carnival” saw clowns, harlequins, fortune tellers, strongmen, circus freaks and even a team of popcorn. Guests this year can expect a three-course meal prepared by a chef, a licensed bar, and both live and silent auctions.

“It’s not your average school fundraiser; our quiz night is next level,” said Siemelink. “This will be the first time we’re going more upmarket with the menu. We feed people really well and go all out with the entertainment.”

Major fundraiser

The quiz night was first run in 1992 and is one of two major fundraisers for the small rural primary school. Last year’s event raised a record-breaking $50,000, which turned plans for shade sails into a full, weatherproof indoor-outdoor space for the junior block.

“It’s a place where kids can eat and play year-round, whether it’s rainy or sunny,” said Siemelink. “This year, funds will go toward maintaining and expanding that area, as well as other school facilities.”

The previous year, $40,000 was raised for a new school van; “So now we have two beautiful vans to take kids to sporting events and outings.”

Third place quiz winners from 2024: Shenanigans. Photo / Rianna Robinson

Businesses can sponsor a quiz round or a table, donate items as prizes or for the auction or kit out a ‘floor person’ in branded gear - a popular option that was introduced last year.

“It’s amazing how much support we get from across the district,” said Siemelink. “This is one of our two big fundraisers, and it just keeps getting bigger. Ray White Pukehina won naming rights again for 2025.”

Tickets are available through Eventfinda (Pongakawa School’s Annual Quiz Night - Te Puke - Eventfinda), with tables of eight and dietary needs easily sorted online. You can also book a sober driver home for $10pp, which will take you to the areas of Pukehina, Paengaroa or Pongakawa.