Gearing up for the Valley to View is Xanthe Robb, 8, left, Kirsten McGhie and Josh Churchill, 6. Photo: Andrew Board.

School makes use of great outdoors for fundraiser

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For the first time ever, Nelson families will get the chance to explore stunning Cable and Delaware Bay farmland by mountain bike or on foot,  thanks to a unique Hira School fundraiser that’s tipped to become an annual event, and aims to raise much needed funds for new classroom technology.

The Hira School “Valley to View” Adventure Day will see Hira School team up with Happy Valley Adventures in Cable Bay, along with neighbouring farmland owned by local iwi, who have offered to open up their land for the event.

Happy Valley Adventure’s owner Keith Anderson, says in the history of their landownership they’ve never done something like this.  The fundraising team, spearheaded by parent Kirsten McGhie, decided to go for something completely different in the way of a school fundraiser.  Kirsten says the event will be about offering something for everyone.  “We have a one hour loop ride round the Happy Valley river flats, suitable for even young kids on bikes, through to some challenging terrain for experienced mountain bikers, that’ll take them on a 17 kilometre climb to magnificent views over Cable and Delaware Bay, before descending onto Delaware Bay farmland, with an estimated ride time of around 2 to 3 hours.

Hira School principal Tonnie Uiterwijk says the country school continues to thrive but fundraising is crucial to its success.  “The Ministry of Education’s interpretation of Hira being a decile 10 school means less government funding.  This means we have to work hard at raising extra money to continue upgrading classroom technology.”

“Valley to View” is on Sunday, August 3 with wet weather postponement date of Sunday 10.  The event runs from 10am until 4pm, though bikers have to register between 10 and midday, with the last riders setting off at 1pm.  Full details at www.hira.school.nz.