Students at Netherton School near Paeroa are set to enjoy a safer and more engaging place to play after receiving a $17,000 grant from New Zealand Community Trust to upgrade the school’s playground.
The funding will support a renovated play area and extensive earthworks, transforming the existing space into a modern, durable playground designed to encourage active play and outdoor learning.
Netherton School principal Brook Bowman said the grant will make a meaningful difference for students at the small rural school.
“This generous funding allows us to complete our new playground and associated earthworks, creating a safe, stimulating space that supports our students’ physical, social and emotional development,” Bowman said. “The upgraded playground strongly aligns with our school’s vision and values, providing year-round opportunities for exploration, creativity and active learning.”
Benefits beyond the school gate
The new playground is expected to benefit not only students but also the wider community. Netherton School is often used for birthday parties, family gatherings and as a stopover for travellers through the area, making the upgraded play space an important community asset outside school hours.
The funding will also ease pressure on local families who might otherwise need to travel to access suitable play facilities.
Students themselves are already looking forward to the changes. Year 7 student Braxton Kennedy said a new playground would encourage more people to use the space, while Year 5 student Sophia Searnake described the current equipment as “very old and rusty”.
Supporting play and wellbeing
NZCT general manager of grants, marketing and communications Ben Hodges said the project reflects the trust’s focus on supporting community infrastructure.
“It’s wonderful to help build facilities that let kids do what they do best — play,” Hodges said. “NZCT is able to fund projects like this thanks to the fundraising partnership we share with the Paeroa Hotel through its host responsible gaming lounge.”
Netherton School caters for students from Years 1 to 8 and currently has a roll of 144 learners from Netherton, Kerepehi, Awaiti and Paeroa. The school places a strong emphasis on wellbeing, sustainability and environmental education, supported by close involvement from parents and the wider community.
NZCT is one of New Zealand’s largest gaming societies and distributed more than $38 million in grants during the 2024–25 financial year, supporting sports, youth development, rescue services, arts and cultural activities across the country.
