A range of refunds have been provided to Dunedin high schools that booked and fundraised for sporting trips, but could no longer go.
Otago Boys’ High School rector Richard Hall said a cricket trip to India for 15 pupils in April was cancelled in early March, before borders closed.
The trip, booked through House of Travel, had been paid for through fundraising and family contributions, and cost parents about $4500 per pupil, alongside fundraising.
‘‘It wasn’t insignificant.’’
An 85% refund given by the company covered some flight costs, and service costs in India.
Mr Hall said parents were disappointed about the refunds, but understanding.
Negotiations over refunds for another trip planned, for pupils to travel to World Challenge Nepal, continued.
King’s High School pupils were supposed to head away on a football trip to the United Kingdom in April organised through travel company Edwin and Doran.
The insurance company chosen, UK-based Endsleigh, chose not to cover the cost, a ‘‘disappointing’’ outcome.
Rector Nick McIvor said the school had secured a full refund from Edwin and Doran, and were ‘‘very grateful’’.
‘‘We’ve been guaranteed a full refund by the first week of August.
‘‘We worked hard to get that — various meetings and approaches took place.’’
Mr McIvor could not say the amount due to commercial sensitivities, but ‘‘recognition’’ from the High Commission had ensured the outcome.
‘‘We could have joined other schools left high and dry, so we are relieved.’’
The school hoped a similar trip could take place in the next year or two.
Taieri College principal David Hunter said 24 pupils planned to head to Spain in April for a rugby trip. More than $6000 per pupil was invested in the trip, booked through an overseas provider, and the ‘‘vast majority’’ was returned to families.
He could not say how much was returned or which company it was, but he was pleased, although, ‘‘I’m disappointed the boys were denied the opportunity’’.
