Auckland student organises Maadi party
Thomas Gilmour, gold winner from last year’s Maadi Cup, comes back this year not only to row but to organise a Maadi party that won’t be forgotten.
Thomas Hallwright, 17, a student from Rutherford College in Auckland, is organising this year’s Maadi party.
Last year Otago Boys organised the Maadi party, but this year decided not to. Hallwright was quite disappointed about it, as last year was “so much fun”.
“It got to the point where I was so disappointed there wasn’t going to be a party, that I decided to organise it myself,” said Hallwright.
His uncle, Simon Gilmour, helped organise the Maadi party last year, so Hallwright went to him for advice.
“I did some research and got the same DJ as last year, I have everything sorted, I have 800 tickets to sell and they are $20 each. We are going to have strobes, and loud music – it will be like a rave,” said Hallwright.
They have been given the use of the Don Rowlands Centre Hall for free on Saturday night for the party.
“I am really excited for the Maadi party, it will be a lot of fun, and a nice way to wind down and relax at the end of the Maadi Cup,” said Hallwright.
Hallwright started getting an interest in rowing when he saw two of his cousins competing in the Maadi Cup.
“I always wanted to try rowing, because we live right next to the water, and rowing started to appeal to me,” said Hallwright.
“Rowing means a lot to me, it is a challenge, and I think it is one of the hardest competitive sports in New Zealand,” said Hallwright.
Hallwright went on to the New Zealand Champs last year and placing third in the under 18 skulls.
“[I] haven’t had much luck at the New Zealand champs, [I] got third place last year, but hopefully this year I will do better,” said hallwright.
