Mount Maunganui Lions Club is sizzling up a storm this lunch time. They are unveiling the new barbecue they have donated to Moa Park.

Club secretary George Pocock says he, along with the other Lions members, wanted to do something in Moa Park.

'We had a meeting and decided we wanted to do something substantial. Considering the park gets used a lot by sports events, fitness clubs and children with the new swings and roundabouts there, we decided that an electric barbecue would be the thing.”

But electric barbecues come at a cost – about $1600 for a brand new one. So, Tauranga City Council contributed towards the funds for the donation of the barbecue.

Today, George and the rest of those who were involved in the donation, including the Mayor, gathered to try out the new barbie.

'We're officially switching the power on, we just hope that the weather stays fine for us today,” says George, who hopes the barbecue will get lots of use.

'I would think particularly in the summer it will be used quite heavily.”

The park is located near the seafront in Mount Maunganui, a great location to cook up a feast!