We’ve had to get a bit creative in order to have fun as a church family and here is how some of our Masterton whānau are doing that at the same time as helping to fund much needed projects. 

The judging for St Matthew’s Masterton annual Potato and Sunflower Growing competition was a little different this year, but the entries were just as good as usual. 

The fundraising event has been running for a number of years with Sunflowers as a new addition this time. In November, hopefuls bought a bucket with two seed potatoes or a sunflower punnet for $5. The potatoes had to be grown in the bucket provided, but the make-up of the soil was up to the competitor, and the sunflowers could be grown in however the grower wanted. 

The big reveal is usually accompanied by a fun family day but, as we know with Covid, our plans often have to change! Instead, they held a drive through reveal on February 13th, where the potatoes and buckets (without the soil) and sunflowers were dropped off for judging, and goody bags were collected. Prizes were donated by local business and the funds raised – $825 – went to the Wheeler family serving with NZCMS in Papua New Guinea.

To see more pictures, check out the St Matthew’s Parish Facebook page.