Ex-All Blacks captain Richie McCaw delivers Fonterra Milk for Schools

Ex-All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is set to deliver packets of milk to four NZ schools as part of the Fonterra Milk for Schools programme. Photo / Supplied

He's led the All Blacks to World Cup glory and helped fight fires from the sky - now New Zealand's favourite rugby captain-turned-helicopter pilot is making special deliveries to lucky Kiwi kids.

Richie McCaw, who now works for Christchurch Helicopters, is to visit four primary schools - flying there by chopper if possible - this year to drop off packs of milk as part of the Fonterra Milk for Schools programme.

The initiative, now in its fifth year, provided more than 140,000 children around the country with nearly 20 million free servings of milk last year.

New Zealand dietary guidelines recommend school children drink two to three servings of milk per day.

A Massey University study led by the School of Food and Nutrition's Professor Marlena Kruger last year found children who attended schools that participated in Fonterra Milk for Schools had significantly better bone health than those who didn't.

Other research conducted by academics at the University of Auckland concluded that more children consumed at least the recommended minimum amount of dairy products after milk was supplied through the programme.

In 2012, 119 schools had signed up to Fonterra Milk for Schools; by last year that figure had increase to 1431.

"The programme continues to grow and two things stand out about it for us - ensuring Kiwi kids get a daily dose of quality nutrition and the generosity of Fonterra and its farmers," said Chris Ward, Fonterra's general manager of community programmes.

Local farmers will join McCaw on his school milk runs.

As well as encouraging kids to drink more milk, the Fonterra Milk for Schools programme aims to help teach them about sustainability.

The milk comes in tetra packs which are recycled into different materials in Thailand. Some are used to make school books and others roof tiles. They are sent overseas because New Zealand doesn't have a tetra recycling machine.

Any New Zealand primary school can be nominated for a McCaw milk run. Entries open on Tuesday and close March 19. To nominate your school write a brief explanation about why the school or students are special.