There are concerns today about a school's gala day featuring a promotion in which competitors can win a gun.
A concerned parent contacted ONE News about the the calf club and gala day being held at Onewhero Area School in October.
The fundraiser has the traditional gumboot throwing, face painting and pony rides, but amongst the events being offered is one in which the flyer says there's "a 22 rifle up for grabs, for those into a challenge with an accurate eye on the target shot. (conditions apply)"
School principal Greg Fenton said the promotion allowed the winner to receive a rifle, but the conditions were strict.
He said competitors would be taken into a controlled area and take shots with an air rifle at a target and would be supervised by people with firearms licences.
Any person who scored three bullseyes would go in the draw to win a voucher they can then take into a local gun store to win the rifle.
Fenton said the person would have to have a firearms licence in order to win the prize.
But one parent said that although he is happy there are safeguards in place at the event, he still thinks it's highly inappropriate to be able to win a gun at a school fair.
The man told tvnz.co.nz: "They shouldn't be offering this at all, no matter what the conditions. I'm concerned about the message it sends to the children - that in amongst all the fluffy toys and candy floss is the chance to win a gun".
He described the promotion as "very odd".
What do you think of running a competition to win a gun at a school gala? Have your say on our message board below.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentGrantman said on 2010-08-25 @ 18:41 NZDT: Report abusive post
Great to see a school putting forward a well thought out prize for kids. I thought the backwards minded hoplophobia exhibited by the complaining parent had largely been educated into non-existence. There is nothing untoward or inherently evil about any firearm. They are simply inanimate objects that when used responsibly can be a source of great fun and constitute a healthy hobby. From target shooting to pest control all the way to the Olympics, firearms are a great pass time.
hodge1974 said on 2010-08-25 @ 17:01 NZDT: Report abusive post
Hey grace 2010, best we don't allow cars either cos they cause far more deaths than guns..how about knives. Do you have shares in Johnson and Johnson cos you sure seem keen on Cotton Wool. If the pillock who complained about the gun prize doesn't want his kid to win a gun, don't enter the bloody competition. Buy him some candyfloss and a hot dog instead the he/she can get obese and suffer diabetes instead of getting heaps of exercise hunting.
kuzmosis said on 2010-08-25 @ 16:35 NZDT: Report abusive post
Fools! Guns don't kill people. PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE!
bliss_nz said on 2010-08-25 @ 13:56 NZDT: Report abusive post
Obviously we are all deeply saddened by gun related deaths be they genuine accidents or deliberate acts of violence. I'm sure the intention is not to promote violence but to offer the rural community a tool for pest eradication or recreational use.
DoRa said on 2010-08-24 @ 22:28 NZDT: Report abusive post
What a joke. I think most kids that go to Onewhero Area school would much prefer to win a gun than any candy floss or soft toys as stated. Candy floss gives kids tooth decay - guns when respected and used in a responsible way (like the school promotes) is great for kids to learn respect, responsibility and gives them an opportunity to participate in a healthy sport. This "concerned parent" needs to get some psychological attention for his serious case of neurosis.