Our August EPIC Connect was a packed one – quite literally, we ran out of room!
A fantastic crowd from Te Puke’s business and community sectors joined us at Ray White Te Puke for an evening of networking, catching up and hearing about some of the great things happening around town.
Our hosts Janelle Havenga, Quintin Havenga, Morgan and the Ray White Te Puke team put on a fabulous spread and made everyone feel incredibly welcome. A huge thank you to the team for opening their doors to us and being such generous hosts.
Welcoming Ray White as an EPIC Red Supporter
The evening was also an opportunity to officially welcome Ray White Te Puke as one of our new EPIC Red Supporters.
Our Red Supporters are businesses that have stepped up to provide significant backing for EPIC and the work we do in our community, and we’re incredibly grateful to have Ray White Te Puke on board.
They have also come on as the naming rights sponsor of the 2026 Ray White Te Puke Halloween Treat Trail, helping us deliver one of Te Puke’s biggest and most-loved family events. This year’s Treat Trail will take over downtown Te Puke on Friday 30 October from 3pm–5pm, with trick-or-treating, entertainment and plenty of Halloween fun planned.
Te Puke High School Looks to the Future
Our August Connect also provided an opportunity for Te Puke High School to connect directly with our local business community as it develops its new strategy for the next two to three years.
Board of Trustees member Chrissi Robinson spoke about the consultation currently underway and the importance of strengthening the relationship between the school and the wider Te Puke community.
As Chrissi put it on the night, “What affects the town affects the school, and what affects the school affects the town.”
The school is seeking feedback from families, businesses, community organisations and the wider community about what an ideal school for Te Puke should look like. Topics include how the school can strengthen students’ sense of belonging and safety, prepare them for further study, employment and adult life, incorporate local history and culture into learning, and strengthen connections with local organisations and employers.
Those attending EPIC Connect were encouraged to complete the consultation and help shape the future direction of our local high school.
And of Course, There Was a Prize!
It wouldn’t be EPIC Connect without a little something up for grabs! Angela Spice-Ridley from Betta Property Compliance was our lucky prize draw winner on the night, taking home a bottle of wine courtesy of our hosts.
A huge thank you again to Janelle, Quintin, Morgan and the entire Ray White Te Puke team, to Chrissi and Te Puke High School for joining us, and to everyone who came along.
Seeing the room absolutely packed was a pretty good reminder of why EPIC Connect exists – bringing our local businesses and organisations together, making new connections and creating opportunities to support one another.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the next one! 💚
