Community support has been one of the mainstays of Paengaroa School’s Top School competition – and the reason it continues to be a success.

Top School is on again this Sunday at the school and principal Bruce Lendrem said support from local businesses, voluntary organisations, the organising committee and teachers at the host and participating schools all deserve credit.

“Trevelyan’s have kindly agreed to be our naming rights sponsor and we’ve had wonderful support from the Te Puke community.”

The day features a series of Top Town style games played by teams from local schools and when there is a winning formula, then there is little reason to innovate.

“The recipe hasn’t changed much at all.”

Teams from Te Puke and Pāpāmoa Schools take part and the games test resilience, teamwork and dexterity – and often involve water.

“We still have the favourites like the slippery side, the horizontal bungee and the Dragon Game,” Lendrem said.

In all there will be 22 teams taking part and eight cheerleading teams also competing in their own competition, as well as providing support and encouragement.

Other sponsors include Cavanagh Panel and Paint, PPG Wrightson Fruitfed “who have supported us from the start”, and Zespri.

“It’s amazing the people who have kept coming back and supporting us over the years,” Lendrem said.

There is also a lot of support from parents who help organise and run the event and teachers who also give up their time to make the event happen.

Maketū Volunteer Fire Brigade helps with the horizontal bungee game and is on hand for any medical incidents.

“The whole thing runs on a fair bit of goodwill.”

Money raised at the event will go towards a total replacement of the school’s ageing senior playground.

The day starts with food selling at 8.30am with the first of the day’s quick-fire raffles at 9am and the games beginning at 10am.

Top School 2025 will be the 27th to be run by and at Paengaroa School which is on Old Coach Rd.