The Arrowtown Volunteer Fire Brigade received a strong show of community support on Sunday, with Arrowtown Lifestyle Village’s annual Garden Party raising $13,000 for the volunteer service.
In a fitting moment during the afternoon, firefighters were briefly called into action when a visitor who had come to explore the village’s new Altus Townhouse show homes required assistance — a timely reminder of the important role the brigade plays in the community.
Held on the village grounds, the popular event brought together residents, friends, families and members of the wider Arrowtown community for an afternoon of entertainment, food and fundraising. More than 435 visitors from outside the village attended the event, highlighting just how much the Garden Party has grown as a community fixture. Visitors enjoyed live music, market stalls, food vendors, a vintage car display, croquet and lawn games, as well as the opportunity to explore the village’s new Altus Townhouse show homes.
A highlight of the day was the live charity auction, hosted by the village’s Sales Manager Vicci Lawrence alongside local business owner Ricky Procter, who not only donated a prize from his business but also generously volunteered his time to help run the auction.
The Vicci and Ricky show quickly became a crowd favourite. One particularly memorable moment came at the end of the auction when Vicci invited guests to take part in a “standing donation”.
“Rather than a standing ovation for our amazing firefighters,” she told the crowd, “I’d love to ask you all to do a standing donation — by standing up you’re saying you’ll donate $50.”
Within moments a number of people rose to their feet, raising close to $1,000 for the brigade in just a few minutes.
Village residents themselves also played a major role in the fundraising, contributing close to $2,500 through resident-run stalls and donations throughout the day.
When Arrowtown Fire Chief Murray Forward was told the final fundraising total — the largest amount the village has raised for a cause — he said he was “absolutely astounded”.
“Wow, I guess that puts us in good standing for what the community thinks of what we do,” he said.
Village Manager Jade Errington said what she loves most about the Garden Party is how it continues to grow into a true community day out.
“You see residents, locals, young families and kids all coming together,” she said. “Friends of mine came along with their young children — they had their faces painted, climbed on the fire truck and played lawn games. It was lovely to see.”
The funds will help support important upgrades for the brigade. Originally the donation was expected to go towards installing Starlink to ensure communication during emergencies, but with the larger-than-expected amount the brigade is now also considering generators to help ensure they remain operational should a major emergency occur.
The fundraising total was made possible thanks to the generosity of the local business community, who donated prizes for the live and silent auctions.
Arrowtown Lifestyle Village extends its sincere thanks to all donors, volunteers and attendees who helped make the 2026 Garden Party such a success. Residents are already looking forward to welcoming the community back again next year.
Thank you to the long list of generous local sponsors who donated prizes and cash in support of the Arrowtown Post Office:
Francesca’s Pizza, Bathe by Aluume, Arrowtown Art Gallery, Wakatipu Therapeutic Massage, Queenstown Furniture Gallery, Bush Creek Auto, Arrowtown Pharmacy, Fergbutcher, Better By Bike, Rosie’s Plate, Settlers, Millbrook, Remarkables Sweet Shop, Ayrburn, Ogle, Mora, Sunrise Balloons, Irvine Physio, New Orleans Hotel, Brandland, MyGoodness Hampers, Over The Top, Golf Federation, Dart River Jet, Taira Acupuncture, The Rees – True South Dining, La Rumbla, Knitone Yarns, Jo Jago Art, and the Jade & Opal Shop courtesy of the Mullings Family Trust, among others.
