History
Pukerau camps have been running since 1944. They were started by a group of people from the local churches and were held in woolsheds and tents. The Word of God was preached, bibles were delved into and lives were changed. As the years went on, they decided that these camps were so successful that they needed a permanent home.
After a few yarns in the middle of a paddock and a couple of hand shakes, Gordon Pullar a local farmer generously donated a patch of tussock block on the side of a hill in Pukerau. And in the tradition of southern hard workers, all the local Presbyterian churches rolled up their sleeves, started up the bulldozer and went to work.
A few thousand man hours later, more working bees than you care to count and enough scones and tea to sink a ship, the Camp Columba camp site was born in the year of 1957. Since that day every year without fail Easter Camp, and soon followed by Labour Weekend Camp, have gone ahead rain, hail or shine.
These camps have seen thousands of lives changed and have a legacy spanning the generations. We would love for you to come and be part of the legacy.
The Team
- Garth Devereux (Chair)
- Andrew Currie (Treasurer)
- Kate McLaren (Secretary)
- Jacob & Lydia Esveld
- Jess Hall
- Simon & Tayla Riepma
- Michaela Jameson
- Melissa Currie (Youth Rep)
This committee is under the authority and accountability of the Southern Presbytery (formerly Mataura Presbytery).
We receive funding from The Waidale Trust, by running our annual Lamb crutching fundraiser at Glen Islay, Mandeville and by selling Peastraw kindly donated by Michael & Marie-Louise Gardyne.
