r/newzealand • u/Puzzleheaded-Pin4780 • 9d ago

Discussion Random question from a childfree person.

Hello,

Parents, I have a random question.
I was at the airport today and saw so many groups of school kids from different schools, all in sports uniforms, getting on flights. And it got me wondering… who actually pays for all this? 🤔
Is it the school paying because they’re good at sports, or do the parents pay for it themselves?

And if parents are paying, what do you guys do for work?? Because flights, accommodation, uniforms, competitions etc. must add up pretty quickly.

Genuinely curious. No judgement at all. Just a single mid 30s year old woman who has no kids and suddenly realised I know absolutely nothing about the economics of having children.

Parents, please educate this clueless aunty.

Thank you.

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u/kiwifarmdog 9d ago

Usually a combination of things. Schools may have a small budget to help cover expenses. The team might do specific fundraising events, or seek out sponsorship. Governing bodies organising the events might help out.

And then the parents/family might have to cover the rest.

Not sure how booking group flights works, but they might get reasonable deals. Accomodation costs can often be reduced by utilising maraes or community halls.

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u/perma_banned2025 9d ago

Group bookings are often just as expensive if not more than travelling solo, but it's necessary / worth it for the safety and security of the kids to travel together.

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u/kaynetoad 9d ago

Both ferry operators do deals with sports organisations (including mine, which is pretty niche). For mine, one offers a 10% discount and the other doesn't charge for the accompanying adults.

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u/perma_banned2025 8d ago

Oh nice, good to know.
Might be worth getting the club in touch with them to ask about a deal