The excitement of having one of New Zealand’s most popular and highly awarded magicians had been brewing all term. Finally on Wednesday afternoon Elgregoe arrived for his annual visit to The Catlins Area School. Elgregoe has performed magic since he was 12 years old and his performance is different every year, and as ever, this year it did not disappoint.

Elgregoe and his wife Sue showed a first class professional performance, that was engaging, humorous, and entertaining. Armed with a pandemonium of exotic parrots, Elgregoe made the feathered friends disappear before our very eyes, and then reappear. Between every trick and sleight of hand was an important message of anti-bullying which promoted respect, care, support, courage and encouragement. 

There were plenty of victims, sorry volunteers from the crowd. Lucy, Kayden and Tom were all part of the tricks, with Lucy having water coming out her elbow, Kayden facing the reality of losing his shoe and having to tell his parents and Tom selecting words that Elgregoe already knew.

Laughter and amazed faces filled the crowd from ākonga to teachers alike. We cannot wait to see what Elgregoe will come up with next!