In a significant boost for student attendance and engagement, the New Zealand Community Trust has given $15,000 to Merivale School to support the purchase of a new replacement school van.

Bonnie Hebenton, a teacher and grants coordinator at Merivale, says the existing van which now needs replacing has proven essential for transporting students.

“Since we introduced the school van, we’ve seen a remarkable 40 per cent increase in attendance,” she said.

Toni Taylor, the van run coordinator and teacher aid, has also highlighted the personal impact of the initiative.

“Some kids wouldn’t make it to school without me personally picking them up in the van. It’s incredibly rewarding to know I’m supporting their learning every day,” she said.

The van also opens doors to a range of extracurricular activities.

“Having a school van gives our kura the freedom to engage in numerous activities and learning opportunities outside the classroom,” said Hebenton.

This includes school trips, sports exchanges, and educational outings tailored for special needs students.

“Going sailing once a week in the first term was so much fun. I loved being out on the water and hope to go again next term,” said student Cassandra Haswell.

Ben Hodges, NZCT’s GM of grants, marketing and communications, underscored the importance of accessibility in education.

“No child should miss out on the fun and learning that happens at school,” he said.

“It’s wonderful to help ensure that more students don’t miss out. We are also grateful for our gaming fundraising partnerships with the Judea Tavern and Cheers Tavern, which made this grant possible.”

Merivale School. Photo: Supplied.

Merivale School Te Kura o Tutarawānanga, a small school in the heart of Tauranga, is a vibrant learning community serving nearly 200 students in Years 1-6, including some who commute from other areas.

It boasts a diverse student body, with 71 per cent Māori, 12 per cent Pacific, 12 per cent NZ European, and 5 per cent from other backgrounds. The school offers bilingual and rumaki (full immersion) classes, enriching the educational experience for its students.

Collaboration with the Merivale Community Centre, located nearby, further strengthens their support for local whānau. The school also hosts both a Ministry of Education early childhood centre (whānau aroha) and the local kohanga reo on the edge of its school property.

As one of New Zealand’s largest gaming societies, the trust is dedicated to community support. In the 2022-2023 year alone, NZCT awarded over $40 million in grants for various community services, including sports, youth development, and the arts. For more information on NZCT’s grants programme and its commitment to harm prevention, visit is website www.nzct.org.nz/about-us/

- SunLive