Levi’s Pump Track Grand Opening at Kaitoke School

The grand opening of Levi’s Pump Track at Kaitoke School was nothing short of spectacular! Despite a tempestuous storm earlier in the week, the sun decided to make a grand appearance, showering the event with perfect weather—a rare but welcome gift from the weather gods.

The turnout was nothing short of marvellous, with people flocking from all corners of the island, proving once again that the Great Barrier Island community knows how to show up and celebrate. The day kicked off with live music from the groovy Shaun & Z, and the tunes were expertly handled by none other than MC Willy Park, who kept the energy high and the vibes just right.

Matua Rodney opened the festivities with a heartfelt Karakia, setting the tone for what would be a truly memorable day. Levi’s family then took centre stage, scissors in hand, to cut the ribbon and officially open Levi’s Track—a moment met with cheers and perhaps a few teary eyes.

Principal Leanne Eloff followed with a warm address to the crowd, expressing heartfelt thanks to the many generous sponsors who contributed to this lasting legacy. She emphasized how the entire Barrier community, along with the contractors, banded together to make this dream a reality. It’s just another example of what an amazing community we live in, where people rally around a cause with passion and dedication. And let’s be honest, Levi would have absolutely loved this track!

Byron Scott of Trailpro, whose team were the masterminds behind the tracks design, took a moment to commend the incredible effort that went into the project. He also noted that this track holds a special place in their hearts as the first all-concrete track they’ve built, a feat made possible thanks to the expert craftsmanship of Aotea Concrete & Excavations.

Once the formalities wrapped up, the real fun began. The music cranked up, and Riley Neilson-Hall, a pro BMX rider from Tauranga, dazzled the crowd with his impressive skills, tearing up the track like it was second nature. Then it was the kids turn. They flooded the track, some on bikes, others on scooters, rollerblades, and skateboards. Adam from St Johns was kindly on standby, just in case, but thankfully, he wasn’t called into major action — just a few scrapes and grazes here and there!

Not to be outdone by the youngsters, the adults took their turn on the track, showing off their own wheel skills (and perhaps a few more cautious manoeuvres). Meanwhile, the air was filled with the mouth-watering scent of Blackwell sausages sizzling on the BBQ, which had been lovingly prepared from scratch by the students under the watchful eyes of Wayde and Tairone.

Of course, no community event is complete without some exciting giveaways, and this one did not disappoint. The big winners of the day were Finn Daly and Essie Davenport, who each rode away with a brand new Meybo Clipper BMX bike. There were plenty of other prizes too, including the ever-popular classic red and blue three-wheeled trike (there is video evidence of the winner of the pink & white one having fun on theirs!), bike helmets, and scooters.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, the track was still buzzing with riders, proving that Levi’s legacy will live on through the joy and fun of those who come to ride at Levi’s Track.

It was a day filled with laughter, love, and community spirit—a fitting tribute to a young man whose memory will continue to inspire and bring happiness to many.

Levi, this one’s for you.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Supporters

The success of the Levi Golaboski Memorial Pump Track at Kaitoke School is a testament to the incredible support and generosity of our community. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our major sponsors, whose contributions were instrumental in bringing this project to life:

Great Barrier Local Board

The Currach Irish Pub & Patrons

Fulton Hogan

Fergburger

We are also immensely grateful to the following sponsors for their invaluable support:

St John’s Community Church Op Shop

Brian Tracey

Hamish Walton

Pauline Burrell

Sealink

Aotea Contractors

Barrier ITM

Scallop from Barrier Habitats & Lift It GBI

Nigel Duff

Motu Community Nursery

Ecology Vision

Envirokiwi

Finally, a special thank you to the Trail Pro Team, especially Byron and the lads, for taking on the challenge with such enthusiasm. Your support, along with the generosity of the Barrier Community and those beyond, has been vital in creating Levi’s lasting legacy. Thank you all for your unwavering dedication and for making this project a reality.