House colours and hangi event at Otumoetai Primary also fundraiser for Christchurch

Otumoetai Primary pupils and parent Kelli Somerville (centre) peel kumara for the school's hangi picnic. Photo / Supplied

A fun scavenger hunt and a school community hangi picnic at Otumoetai Primary also became the chance to raise funds to support victims of the Christchurch shootings.

Pupils, a group of parents and staff spent several hours on Wednesday furiously peeling and chopping potatoes, kumara and other vegetables for a hangi picnic.

Principal Zara McIndoe said the scavenger hunt and hangi picnic were part of the launch of the school's house colours which the school hoped would promote student unity and school pride.

"This event was about bringing our students and their families and staff at the school together."

McIndoe said it became an ideal chance to also raise funds to support victims of the Christchurch shootings and their families.

Members of the school's Parent Teacher Association decided to run a sausage sizzle, and sell cold drinks and ice blocks, with all profits raised going to Christchurch.

"There was a great turnout from the parents and it was a lovely evening and an awesome hangi feast and a wonderful school community event."

McIndoe said the impacts from the shootings continued to be felt right across the country including children from her school who have family living in Christchurch.

"It's absolutely heartbreaking for this to have happened. Like all the other schools we wanted to do something to show our support for the victims of these horrific attacks."

McIndoe said it would be a few days before the exact amount raised was known.