Some of the performers mix with Newton Central pupils. Herald Picture / Peter Meecham

Some of the performers mix with Newton Central pupils. Herald Picture / Peter Meecham

By REBECCA WALSH

Some of the best gigs in town are happening at a primary school near you.

This weekend, Newton Central School will rock to the music of Don McGlashan of the Mutton Birds, Dave Dobbyn, Ma-V-Elle and many more at "A fool's day out" - a fundraising event for the 230-pupil school.

It is not the first time rocker parents have joined forces to help raise funds. In fact, concerts involving well-known and talented parents are catching on throughout Auckland as schools seek new ways to bring in money.

McGlashan, whose children Louis (8) and Pearl (5) attend Newton Central, said performing at a primary school was not a huge departure from the norm for him.

"One of the Mutton Birds' first performances was at my son's creche when we had just started out ... The history of the Mutton Birds has kind of been the history of me being a parent.

"It's good to be able to contribute; it's going to be a good day."

McGlashan will perform with Dobbyn, former Mutton Birds bass player Alan Gregg and former Chills drummer Earl Robertson.

"It's actually scarier in a way. You are performing in front of people who just know you as somebody's dad."

Newton Central principal Hoana Pearson said fundraisers such as "A fool's day out" allowed the school to spend more time improving support programmes and developing its character.

"Fundraising is an essential part of the moneys needed to run a school. If we can do it in a one-off and utilise the multi-talents of our communities and celebrate our diversity, that's great."

The school had a Maori immersion unit, a Fanau Pasifika class and a number of special needs children mainstreamed.

"It's about enhancing and not just delivering the curriculum. Generally, there's not enough money in schools when you want to do some things differently."

Earlier this month Parnell District School hosted the Citizen Band and vocalist Jordan Luck. Principal Gary Pearce said the school was always thinking of interesting ways it could fundraise and had first hosted a concert by parent Neil Finn in 1994.

"You have to look at the strengths and resources within your community and try to capitalise on that."