Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise member Julie Hignett says it's only fitting that the home of the All Blacks should also be a home to black toilet paper.
When Julie Hignett was thinking of ways to help those less fortunate in the community, the Tauranga woman could not have anticipated her answer lay in black toilet paper.
But black toilet paper it is, and it's for sale.
Julie Hignett was "really, really bored" watching television when the reference to black toilet paper was made.
"I thought 'I wonder if I should do it?' It's something really different."
Hignett, a member of the Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise, said they were looking for a novel way of fundraising that hadn't been done before.
After searching online and much effort dealing with importing authorities, a pallet load of black toilet paper was delivered from China to Hignett's doorstep.
Hignett said the black toilet paper was "quite fitting" for New Zealand.
"We've got the All Blacks. We're a black country. It suits us."
Unlike regular toilet paper, black toilet paper does not go through a bleaching process and is considered to be kinder to the environment.
"Some say it's nice to have the caring for the environment part but it's also quite fun. It makes for a good quirky gift to give someone," Hignett said.
Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise member Julie Hignett says it's only fitting that the home of the All Blacks should also be a home to black toilet paper. Photo / George Novak
Hignett believed she was the only supplier of black toilet paper in New Zealand and hoped people would jump on board the chance "to experience something a little different" which ultimately helped those less fortunate.
"One hundred per cent of the profits go to everything we sponsor. We are calling it the Black Side Project."
Local causes helped by the Rotary Group of Tauranga Sunrise including Befriender Programme Alzheimers Tauranga, K Valley tree planting, Project K and the Tauranga Community Foodbank.
The group also offers shelter boxes and emergency response kits to communities in the Pacific Islands suffering from natural disasters.
Rotary secretary and acting treasurer Warwick de Vere said the project injected a bit of fun into fundraising.
"It's certainly different. Hopefully, places like restaurants or hotels might like to try it. It would make customers remember them."
The toilet paper is available for sale for $25 for six via Hignett's "Black T" Facebook page. It will also be on sale at a discounted rate at this weekend's Tauranga Spring Home Show.
