Marton Junction schoolkids prepare for Rarotonga break

Marton Junction School senior students have worked hard to raise funds for their November trip to the Cook Islands. Photo/Lin Ferguson.

It's already being touted as the trip of a lifetime by the senior kids at Marton Junction School.

All up 34 students, parents and three teachers will board a jet to Rarotonga in November for a six-night stay to soak up the sun, culture and new friendships.

Principal Vanessa Te Ua was beaming when she said it had been an incredible effort by all those involved to raise the funds for their trip.

To date $14,500 is in the pot and the fundraising drives have been often and hectic, she said.

"There's been everything from magnificent hangi, to sausage sizzles, steam pudding orders, a huge variety of raffles and even the school kids making their own special laundry liquid. Since we decided on the trip in March it's been all go.''

Every fortnight the parents meet at the school to discuss progress, she said.

"The meetings are fantastic. Everyone has ideas. Everyone brings money to put in our fund. They are just so committed, it is quite wonderful.''

One dad who was originally from the Cook Islands has organised the accommodation, cultural days and meals.

"He rang all his family and friends and made sure we were looked after. We were very worried about the accommodation initially because it was so expensive. The thing was we absolutely had to have accommodation with air conditioner for our kids - they would never survive that heat day and night.''

Ms Te Ua said for her students leaving Marton to see another part of the world was integral.

"They need to know that there's more than Marton out there.''

A number of activities have been lined up for them, including visiting two schools and making cultural exchanges via kapa haka and waiata.

The kids and the community are all very committed, she said.

"We even have a community fashion show coming up at the memorial hall with all the clothes from the Get and Give Op shop."

There will be an afternoon show and then an evening show which will be R18 because wine will be served, she said.

The students were already working hard at leaning their waiata and kapa haka to ensure they would be perfect.

As well as the cultural activities the students would also be going snorkelling, climbing a mountain and walking across the island.

"Our time will go very fast But it will be so worthwhile. Everyone is so excited.''