Crews make dashing effort in Maniototo

A roadie to the Maniototo, helping out a community and a bit of banter sounds like a great way to spend a weekend.

That was exactly how 32 North Island Southern Dash volunteers spent Saturday, digging in to spruce up Ranfurly’s main street.

Southern Dash members gather every year for a trip to somewhere south of Wellington — embarking on a road trip to donate their time and manpower to communities.

Director Murray O’Donnell said this year’s 32 volunteers came from across the North Island.

It was a good way to see the country, helping people and having fun at the same time, he said.

"Doing your bit."

Volunteers got into the spirit, dressing up in costumes for the weekend.

"It’s about having fun . . . you just give them a task and they get on with it," Mr O’Donnell said.

They also donated jackets, bags and caps to Maniototo Area School, St John’s School, Hato Hone St John Youth Group, the Maniototo Support Network and Lee Stream School.

Volunteer Lyndon Tamblyn, of Bulls, said while every trip was different, people built strong relationships.

"We’ve all become really good friends, we’re all so different, but the common good . . . is the main thing."

Maniototo Business Group co-ordinator Derek King said the volunteers had been amazing.

Southern Dash had a "let’s get this done" attitude which produced awesome results in just one morning, he said.