Kawaha Point School fundraising for new playground

Kawaha Point School is trying to raise as much money as possible to revitalise its "tired" senior playground.

Principal Andrew Sinclair estimated the playground would be at least 20 years old.

"It's still safe to use but it's tired, it needs some love."

He said the playground didn't meet the needs of the children in the modern day.

Fully replacing the playground would cost more than $30,000 but Sinclair said the school wanted to at least give it a refurbishment.

"After we raise the money we'll consult with the kids and get them to design what they want," he said.

A new playground is not something the Ministry of Education will help fund, so the school is putting on a comedy night.

The PTA chairwoman Lisa Wise said the comedy night would make a dent in the school's fundraising efforts.

"The senior playground is in dire need of an upgrade and playground equipment is extremely expensive.

"The juniors have got a beautiful new one and the poor seniors have got a sad-looking one."

Wise was encouraging those who would attend the comedy night to buy tickets in advance as there would be no door sales if tickets sold out.

There are 350 tickets available.

"It's going to be a fantastic night, we've got a really good line up of comedians."

One of the comedians, Lana Walters, is a former Rotorua local, she said.

Sinclair said the night was going to "be a hoot" for a good cause.

"Any time you're doing something where the kids are the beneficiaries, how can that be bad?"

Sinclair hoped the work on the playground could take place in the summer holidays.

The details
What: Comedy night, hosted by Melanie Bracewell featuring Lana Walters, James Roque, Savanna Calton, Jamaine Ross. R18, cash bar available.
When: August 11, 7.30pm.
Where: Ascot Room, Rydges Hotel.
Why: Fundraiser for new senior playground at Kawaha Point School
Cost: $40, tickets from school office in person or on 07 348 5864. Eftpos, cash and online banking available.