Fans win Highlandersthemed playhouse

THEY might have been a bit unsure who all the adults were, but the children at Crackerjax Early Learning Centre in Green Island knew exactly what they were there for.

In November, the centre won a promotion held as part of the Great Kiwi Home Show, by showing they were the region’s youngest and most enthusiastic Highlanders fans.

Yesterday their prize arrived — a special Highlandersthemed playhouse, complete with Otago Daily Times letterbox.

Built by students at Otago Polytechnic, using building supplies given by Placemakers, and painted blue, gold and maroon by the Allied Press marketing team, the playhouse was delivered by Highlanders Dillon Hunt and Aaron Smith.

Within minutes, the structure was swarming with children, who obviously were well pleased with what their efforts had earned them.

‘‘It will be used a lot, I would imagine,’’ Crackerjax owner Angela Spek said.

‘‘We have about 60 kids enrolled here, around 40 on any one day . . .’’

The rugby players enjoyed their morning out.

‘‘We’re a small town team so we like to get out and about with the supporters . . . I live in Waldronville, so I drive past this place every day,’’ Smith said.

‘‘I always see people dropping their kids off here so it’s good to pop in here and see it in action.’’

The Highlanders play the Reds at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight.

The Great Kiwi Home Show is run by Allied Press, along with Dunedin Venues.

PHOTO: CHRISTINE O’CONNOR Feed the backs . . . Highlanders halfback Aaron Smith watches the distribution skills of Lillie Porthouse (2) as she thanks those involved with providing a Highlandersthemed playhouse to Crackerjax Early Learning Centre in Green Island.