Kids' bike ride off after farmer demands cash

A South Canterbury school has called off a fundraising bike ride because a farmer wants to charge entrants to cross his land.

Waimate Main School's fundraiser, a trail bike ride, was cancelled after one farmer said he wanted $3 per entrant to cross his land.

Organising committee member Nicola Smith said the fundraiser was abandoned because if the school paid one farmer it would have to pay the eight other farms involved as well.

Kaiwarua Station owner John Trotter said the charge was only to cover costs.

"Why should we fork out money from our own pocket? It is not a profit thing for us."

Mr Trotter estimated it cost between $300 and $400 for the cost of the track maintenance, power and sewerage for the event.

"All we are doing is covering our costs. I don't think we are being unreasonable about it."

Mr Trotter, who does not have children at the school, added:

"All we were offered [from the organisers] was a six-pack of beer worth about $12."

In the past five years, the trail ride had paid for swings and other playground equipment, computers, a data projector and screen.

- NZPA