The annual Arrowtown Lifestyle Village Garden Party has once again showcased the strength of community spirit, raising over $10,000 to support the historic Arrowtown Post Office.
With the impending closure of the local medical centre in September, supporting essential community services feels more important than ever. The Arrowtown Post Office has been sending letters since 1863 and was saved from closure in 1991 thanks to the efforts of the Lakes District Museum. Over 160 years later, it remains a much-loved part of our town’s identity—and now, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and residents, it has received another wave of support.
This year’s event featured both silent and live auctions, coin donations for the golf simulator, a lively photo booth, mocktails, and an array of baked goods, arts, crafts, and floral arrangements lovingly created by residents. The silent auction alone raised nearly $2,500, while the live auction brought in over $5,000. Resident-run stalls contributed just under $700, with additional funds raised through activities and community donations throughout the day. Falling a few hundred dollars short of the $10,000 goal, the incredible resident committee and village management team stepped in to top up the remainder—ensuring the full $10,000 was handed over to the Post Office. A generous resident later added a final $500, rounding out the event’s impressive total.
When told about the donation, Jane Peasey, Director of the Lakes District Museum, said: “That is quite overwhelming. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate all the effort put into that wonderful event.”
The Lakes District Museum, which stepped in to save the Post Office back in 1991, has worked tirelessly to keep it operating. They have long understood how important the Post Office is as a community institution—not only for its services, but for its role in preserving local history and identity.
The day also featured a special talk from Nick Fifield, Chair of the Arrowtown Village Association and developer of the Arrowtown Audio Tour app, who generously donated his time to speak about the rich history of Arrowtown and the importance of protecting our heritage.
In total, 31 local businesses got behind the cause—donating services, products, or time. While it’s difficult to name everyone individually, a full list of generous contributors can be found on the Arrowtown Lifestyle Village website, where their generosity is warmly acknowledged.
“This was our fourth Garden Party, and without a doubt, our most special,” said Jade Errington, Village Manager. “Our local business community came out in full force, and our residents blew us away with their creativity, generosity, and heart. It’s a real reminder of what makes Arrowtown such a special place to live.”
The funds will be delivered directly to the Arrowtown Post Office via the Lakes District Museum, helping ensure this treasured piece of local history continues to serve the community for years to come — and inspiring future generations to keep Arrowtown’s spirit alive.
Thank you to the long list of generous local sponsors who donated prizes and cash in support of the Arrowtown Post Office:
- Hulbert House
- Wilson & Dorset
- Jade & Opal Factory
- Real Journeys
- The Fork & Tap
- The Dishery
- Eichardts
- Fergbutcher
- Kinross Wines
- D’Or Hair
- Sunrise Balloons
- The Rees Hotel
- Ocula Arrowtown
- Four Square Arrowtown
- Arrowtown Lifestyle Village Resident’s Committee & Stall Holders
- ck Fifield – Audio Tour
- Postmasters
- Arrowtown Wine Store
- The Ice Man
- Queenstown Car Detailing
- The Arrowtown Pharmacy
- Arrowtown Bowling Club
- Arrowtown Golf Club
- Kiss My Putt
- Nathan Irvine Physio
- Podiatry Medic
- Masons Mobile Car Grooming
- Black Teal Bay
- McKibbon’s of Royalburn
- Fiona Garlick Studio & Gallery
