Kaitaia's Abundant Life School reunion to raise funds for open space

Kaitaia Abundant Life School principal Mark Tan

Kaitaia's Abundant Life School is planning its first reunion, 30 years after it opened with 23 students, one enthusiastic teacher (Allan Dow) and a commitment to provide a Christian education.

The reunion is on October 27, but there will be more to it than a celebration of what has been achieved since 1988.

The school had always been an integral part of the community, principal Mark Tan said.
It was the tangible result of the kindness, generosity and commitment of Kaitaia, and the reunion would hopefully strengthen that symbiotic relationship, he said.

"We are fundraising for a covered court — we don't have anywhere for our students to play, train or learn outside when the weather turns to custard, and, as an organisation that is committed to serving its community, our facilities are always open for the public's use," he said.

"We have never fenced off our property from our community.

"Netball and basketball teams train on our courts three times a week, and members of the community use our basketball courts every day when the weather is good, so a lot of people are going to benefit if we can raise the $100,000 we need."

The reunion would be preceded by Colour Kaitaia, a 5km run/walk in and around the town while being doused in coloured powder, on October 26, with all proceeds from the $7 entry fee going towards the covered court.

The reunion/celebration itself would include a "massive" auction, special guests, "and of course the best banquet and entertainment".

"Get into it and make a weekend of it — celebrate the Far North, celebrate what is affectionately known as Bundies, celebrate life," Mr Tan said.

"All proceeds will go into our students and our town, and we can only do this as a community."

All events would be accessible via eventbrite.co.nz, search Kaitaia.