Pumpkins of every shape – and some of enormous size – filled Northern Health School Tauranga on March 30, for its first Giant Pumpkin Day.
The day featured pumpkin-themed activities alongside judging in multiple competition categories.
After being given giant pumpkin seeds last September, participants spent months nurturing their plants.
The lead‑up built excitement and encouraged engagement across the school community.
A Northern Health School Tauranga Unit student's entry into the school's 2026 Pumpkin Competition. Photo / Kelly O'Hara
Five pumpkins went on to compete in the heaviest weight category.
Taking out the title was a 55kg giant grown by the school’s associate principal, Robyn Meikle.
Close behind was student Blakes Roberts, whose 35kg pumpkin won the student category.
Senior student William White claimed the weirdest pumpkin category for his quirky design.
A Northern Health School Tauranga Unit student's entry into the school's 2026 Pumpkin Competition. Photo / Kelly O'Hara
Students were also able to shape their own clay pumpkins to later glaze once kiln-fired.
Younger students had baked pumpkin-shaped cookies in the days leading up to the event, then decorated them on the day with coloured icing and sprinkles.
Meikle was quietly confident in the final weeks after her pumpkin had a late growth burst.
Though she said the journey to the podium proved challenging after a summer of difficult growing conditions. “The weather, with all the rain and the hail and things like that, the growing conditions over the summer were quite tricky.”
Meikle said the day served a deeper purpose for the school. “It gives our students the opportunity to participate in events like regular schools. It’s fun, it connects us with our community, our students, our whānau, and our stakeholders.”
Northern Health School Tauranga Unit students Harry Ward, 7, and Piper Button, 10, with their pumpkin entries. Photo / Kelly O'Hara
School unit co-leader Karla Revell said while the pumpkins had endured heavy rain, the mood on Tuesday was anything but damp. “We made lots of fantastic contributions from students and staff. [It was] A really good vibe, lots of positive, just a real positive feel.”
Revell said the activities also encouraged communication and connection among students who might not usually interact.
The event was one of the school’s most successful to date, she said. “It’s one of those events that anybody can get involved in, and it doesn’t matter who you are or what your background is – it allows everyone to have a sense of success or an element they could.”
Planning is already under way for the 2026/2027 competition to make it even bigger and better.