Half a century ago, Porirua officially became a city. And it celebrated its milestone in style, culminating with the 50th Anniversary Awards Dinner honouring 50 of the city’s residents "who have helped make Porirua the city it is today”.
A crowd of more than 660 filled the city’s Te Rauparaha Arena to celebrate the milestone bursting with colour and energy in song, dance and creative cultural fashion. Ruth Pretty Catering was proud to cater this celebration, which concluded a month of local events.
"The Te Rauparaha Arena is an incredibly good venue, with very modern technology and facilities for conferences and events. I am most interested in the kitchen of course,” Ruth smiled, "and this is large, well equipped and easy to use even for such a big dinner. With two Whitireia Hospitality tutors, 11 international hospitality students joined our large food and beverage team for the evening.
Local chocolate icon Whittaker’s came to the party in all sense of the word. They created a special Anniversary Edition block of Creamy Milk chocolate, as a gift at each place setting.
"I was worried guests would go for the chocolate and not eat their dinner!” joked Ruth.
The menu (click here) was planned around the entertainment and awards, so detailed organisation and careful timing were critical for food and service. We catered for a range of special dietary requirements, which is the norm these days. The students did well in a pressured situation.
The Arena looked very dramatic with creative high-tech lighting, and the tables were imaginatively presented in blues and silvers, highlighting 50. They were created by Robert Baldock, the Council’s Events and Sponsorship Manager. We were very impressed, and so were the guests.
We were very pleased to receive thanks from the Porirua events team andTe Rauparaha Arena "for the positive and fantastic contribution you all made to the 50th Anniversary Awards evening.
The feedback from the community is unparalleled and most are quite stunned at the production and entertainment delivery. Comments like ” best ever" were common.
Feedback also mentioned the high quality food, presentation and service which was expected of Wellington’s best caterer.
This was a first class delivery you all made and we hope you are proud of what we all achieved through a high level of professionalism.
A personal note from Robert the event co-ordinator was greatly appreciated " We hired the best and received the best”.
The 2013 Census revealed Porirua as New Zealand’s 10th biggest city as well as having the third highest per capita household income of any council in New Zealand. As Mayor Nick Leggett said, " Our first 50 years has seen us on the path to growth, community enrichment, and has shown everyone that we are not only a great place to live, but that we as a city, with a fabulously diverse community have so much more potential to realize in the next 50 years”.
"And with the Transmission Gully construction and our close proximity to the rest of Wellington, Porirua will play an enhanced economic and cultural role within the region over the coming decade.”
Photo Credit: Mark Tantrum Photography
Additional Photos: 50th Anniversary Dinner by Mark Tantrum Photography