The countdown is on for pesky possums with Lake Rerewhakaaitu School's annual ‘Possum Punishment'.

The popular PTA fundraiser for the country school begins Thursday, June 13 and concludes on Sunday, June 16 with the final tally and prize giving.

Teams of up to five adults, plus accompanying children, may choose to hunt during the extended weekend or for just one night. More marsupials, however, will mean a greater chance of scooping a fantastic prize from the estimated prize pool of more than $5000.
In addition to valued support from major sponsors Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Department of Conservation, Hunting & Fishing New Zealand, RD1, Ecolab, Bayer and TB Free New Zealand, a host of cash, merchandise and voucher prizes has been donated by the local business and tourism community.
'We have had fantastic support for our event this year,” says school PTA chairperson Angela Robinson. 'Further to our main cash prizes we are able to offer a range of exciting spot prizes including passes to local tourist destinations such as Skyline Rotorua,
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Polynesian Spa, Tamaki Maori Village, River Rats Rafting, Zorb Rotorua, Rainbow Springs and Tauranga Marine Charters. Local rural providers have also really come to the party with heaps of merchandise up for grabs.”
The team with the most possums can choose from the top prize tier of either $400 cash, $500 worth of vouchers from local businesses or one-year pass to Waikite Hot Pools with petrol vouchers and clothing. But it's not only the top three teams who will be well rewarded – there is still great opportunity to win big with the stakes raised – per possum. All teams are awarded a ticket per entrant for the spot prizes, but for every five possums handed in, teams will earn an extra ticket to increase their chances to win. As well as cash, merchandise and vouchers, one lucky hunter will win a new .22 rifle courtesy of Hunting & Fishing Rotorua.
Tired contestants can enjoy a fun prize giving on Sunday at Rerewhakaaitu Domain, with novelty events such as the ‘Marsupial Mile', a tally guess and children's games. A traditional hangi and sausage sizzle will also be available. 'We would also like to extend a warm welcome to anyone else interested to come down and join us for the food and entertainment,” says Angela.
To secure your entry in this year's Possum Punishment event, phone Angela Robinson on 07 366 6697 or Rachel Thomas on 07 366 6036. Entry forms are available at Hunting & Fishing and Hamills Rotorua.