THE ICONIC THORNDON FAIR IS OUR SCHOOLS ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
The Thorndon Fair has been a cherished tradition since 1977, thanks to our amazing parent volunteers. It’s not just a fun day out - it’s Thorndon School’s major fundraiser, and the funds raised go directly to supporting our tamariki.
With less than six weeks to go until the Thorndon Fair on Sunday, December 7, 2025, we need your support!
This year, we expect 20,000+ visitors and 250 stallholders, and the fair is only possible because of dedicated volunteers like you.
Parents, caregivers, children, and kaiako come together to make this event happen - and it makes a huge difference for our school.
Volunteer at the Thorndon Fair
SIGN UP NOW FOR 2025!
Volunteering for the fair is enjoyable, and signing up is easy!
Please complete the volunteer form by 22 Nov 2025.
Step 1: Click the link below to sign up
Step 2: Choose a two-hour shift and mark it in your calendar.
Step 3: Receive instructions a week before the fair and join the fun on your shift!
ABOUT THE FAIR
Held on the first Sunday in December, the fair sees Tinakori Road closed off and the school, in addition to having stalls of its own, lets out stall space to more than 250 other stall holders, some of whom come from as far away as Auckland and Christchurch.
There is a huge amount of work involved in the organisation of the event, and we cannot make this event a success, without the hands on component and involvement of our entire school community.
Please click on the link below for our sign up form! You can find a description of roles further down this page.
WHY VOLUNTEER?
The Thorndon Fair is Thorndon School’s major fundraiser.
Last year, we raised $44,000, which helped fund our arts programme.
This year’s goal:
Support our Kura arts and music programmes, including new music equipment, art week supplies, and our specialist music teacher to nurture our tamariki’s talents.
It’s fun and rewarding:
Most roles only require two hours, and we need 120 volunteers to bring the fair to life!
VOLUNTEER ROLES
We have a range of volunteer roles available leading up to and on the day of the event.
Learn more about those roles below.
GATE VOLUNTEERS
You’ll be collecting gold-coin donations from Fair goers, and marshaling to make sure people enter/leave the Fair safely. Shifts are 2-hours throughout the day.
Coin collecting at the Gates is a great role for children to get involved so bring them along too.
SET UP CREW
This is a 7am start – you’ll be helping set up the Fair site and school stalls.
You’ll finish by 9.15am.
Some lifting involved!
CLOSE DOWN CREW
Start at 2.45pm and help close the Fair, pack up the school stalls and clear the site.
You’ll finish about 4.30pm.
Some lifting involved.
SCHOOL STALL
Sell, sell, sell!
We have a range of things on offer at our school stall including avocados and mystery envelopes.
FAIR HQ
Fair HQ is information-central for Fair goers and stallholders.
This is a good role to find out more about how the Fair runs.
STALLHOLDER CARPARK
Not exciting enough to get a photo but an important role to provide stallholders access to their vehicles.
WASTE WARRIORS
We want to keep the Thorndon fair as green as possible. Our waste warriors help recycling efforts by manning stations and making sure fair goers know which bins to use so we minimise waste as much as we can.
BEFORE & AFTER THE FAIR
If you can’t help on Fair day, or can do another role, volunteers before hand, and a few afterwards as well.
PRE FAIR SUPPORT (Sat 6 Dec afternoon)
including avocado sorting – kids welcome!
STALL MARKING TEAM (28th and 29th Nov AND the 6th Dec)
This is a crucial preparation role to make sure all goes smoothly on Fair day. You’ll get full instructions for marking up the pavements with stall sites. You need to be available for about 2 hours on two dates TBC.
PACK AWAY CREW (Mon 8th Dec)
The aftermath – help sort out the Fair kit so it’s ready to do it all again next year.
Monday after the fair.
GET EVEN MORE INVOLVED!
STEP UP AND LEAD A TEAM!
Team Leaders are key to running the Fair on the day and in the lead-up period – they run our Stalls, manage the Gates, lead the Set Up and Pack Up crews, and organize the Signs, Leaflets and more. Lots of support provided. Tick the leaders box on the sign-up form and we’ll be in touch.
GET INVOLVED IN THE ORGANISATION TEAM
We also need new parents to join the next Fair Organizing Team, so get involved now to see what happens behind-the-scenes. Tick the leaders box or email fairhelpers@thorndonprimary.school.nz to learn more about how you can contribute.
New this year:
We’ve teamed up with Flamingo Scooters to bring a Learn to Ride event to the Premier House carpark on Fair Day - a fun activity for over 12-year-olds to enjoy!
Bonus perk for Volunteers!
Every Thorndon Fair volunteer will receive 20 free minutes of Flamingo scooter or e-bike use across the Wellington region (including Porirua) until 14 December. Just download the Flamingo App, register with a bank card (a $1 unlock fee applies), and enter the code: FAIR25.
Thinking of joining the organising committee?
Flamingo is also offering the Fair Organising Committee members 20 free minutes each week, free unlocks, and discounted rates.
THE FACES OF THE FAIR
Brooks & Jenny
4 years of running the Ring Toss game with their family
"I love working together with my family to run our activity.
We love seeing the kids’ smiles when they win a prize - it makes the whole day worth it."
Meet Nikki
12 years of volunteering, trying out every role at the fair (even the organising committee) always offering very creative ideas for stalls!
"I love the buzz of the fair - the hard work, the laughter, the stunning high-vis vest and raising money for the school."
This is Nikki’s last year, so we’re looking for new parents to join the team, share ideas, and help make the Fair even more amazing!
SPREAD THE WORD!
Another really simple way to support the success of the fair is to spread the word!
Follow us on social media, click 'Going' on the Facebook event,
and share with friends and whānau.
If you have any questions email us at fairhelpers@thorndonprimary.school.nz
