For decades, the only sizeable patch of grass at Kaikorai School has been on the side of a hill.
So for decades, pupils have made the best of the situation and played rugby uphill.
But after the school and parents raised $125,000, by the end of this year it is hoped pupils will be able to play on a grassy field as flat as a pancake.
Principal Simon Clarke said contractors were clearing and levelling a patch of ''scrubby'' land at the back of the school, which will provide pupils with a 50m x 30m field.
''It's about half a football field in size.
''The school doesn't have a large flat area. It will double the amount of grass for sports use.
''At the moment, the kids aren't able to kick a football on a grassy field - they play touch rugby out the front of the school and it's an uphill game.
''This will create a purposeful area on the flat for all sports to be played on.''
Mr Clarke said the project was funded entirely by the school and parents through fundraising efforts and saving.
There had been no need for Ministry of Education funding, he said.
''A pool of money has been collecting over the past decade, and two years ago it was decided to use it for a new field.''
Mr Clarke expected pupils would be playing on the new field by the end of November - ''provided we have a good spring to let the grass grow''.
