A small rural Canterbury school is taking a bold approach to fundraising, launching a nationwide raffle for a brand-new Ford Ranger to help build a new playground.

Ashley Rakahuri School PTA is running what it says is the biggest fundraiser the school has ever attempted, with a 2026 Ford Ranger XLT Double Cab 3.0D 4WD as the first prize.

The PTA hopes the raffle could raise around $100,000, potentially allowing construction of a new playground to get underway as early as next year.

PTA chairperson Emma Clifford said the school’s current playground was well past its best, and unsafe equipment had already been removed, leaving students without important spaces to play, connect and build confidence.

“Like many small rural schools, fundraising has become increasingly difficult, while the cost of providing quality spaces for our children continues to rise,” Clifford said.

“We’re determined to give our kids a safe, modern place to play, learn and connect.”

Rather than repeatedly asking local families to support smaller fundraisers, such as chocolate or sausage sales, the PTA decided to take what Clifford described as “a leap of faith” and run one major nationwide raffle.

“If it’s successful, it could be the PTA’s only major fundraiser for the year, giving families a break from the constant requests for support,” she said.

Clifford said the project had been a huge undertaking for a group of parent volunteers, many of whom were juggling the work alongside jobs and family commitments.

“We’ve poured countless hours into making this happen because we genuinely believe our children deserve better facilities, and we’re hopeful that communities across New Zealand will get behind us.”

Tickets are $40 each, with the raffle limited to 5,000 tickets.

The lottery closes on 24 September 2026 and will be drawn on 25 September 2026.

Tickets available at lottery.ashleyrakahuri.school.nz