Parents get into the party spirit

Cheryle and Allan Parker, with daughter Abbey, are organising a private function for Rangitoto College's Year 12 students. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Parents of a student at Rangitoto College, which cancelled its school balls this year because of a boozy party after last year's, are organising two private balls.

Last year, principal David Hodge was assured by students of the Mairangi Bay school that they had cancelled plans for a party at an Onehunga warehouse to follow its August 13 ball.

But the function went ahead, so the board of trustees cancelled this year's Year 12 and 13 balls.

Allan and Cheryle Parker, who have had five children attend Rangitoto College balls, say it is not fair on the Year 12 students this year - including their 16-year-old daughter Abbey - who were not involved in that after-ball.

The couple own an events business and are organising a private function for the students at their Floating Pavilion restaurant in Auckland's Viaduct Harbour on August 7.

They are also about to start planning a ball for the Year 13 students.

The Parkers said they had the support of more than 400 parents who had signed up to an email database set up for the balls.

Mr Parker said he had attempted to discuss the situation with the principal in early September "to see if both parties could find some middle ground" but says his offer to help was refused.

He then attended a board of trustees meeting.

"The board's response was quite clear. They do not support any privately organised ball and do not consent to the promotion or any ticket sales of a private organised ball on the school grounds."

Rangitoto was a "really good school. We just differ on this one, which is a shame", Mr Parker said.

One of his sons had attended last year's after-ball and he was happy with the way it went.

The Year 12 ball will include a DJ, black leather couches, finger food and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.

Parents would be asked to fill out a consent form giving their child permission to attend the function.

There would be a number of strict rules, including refusing entry to anyone intoxicated or suspected of taking drugs.