The new fundraising app Kev the Kiwi is helping to get more tablets into schools. Developed by the Digital Office, the app is the first of its kind in New Zealand.

"Kev the Kiwi was created to help fund the use of digital technology in school classrooms,” developer Stuart Dillon-Roberts of the Digital Office says. “All proceeds will help fund our tablets in schools scheme.

“We also hope that children will enjoy playing the game”.

The app's launch during election year is well-timed. ‘Kev', the main character, sets off on a journey to become New Zealand's next Prime Minister by conquering eight challenging levels of game play. The app features eight locations around the country, with iconic kiwi elements of sheep, BBQs, pavlova and bungy jumping.

Although aimed at ages 4-12 years, it can be enjoyed by everyone, including parents.

The Digital Office established the ‘Tablets in Schools' initiative to support schools that want to expose their students to digital technology, but who perhaps do not have the resources, skills or money to accomplish this. The initiative includes providing schools with donated new or used tablets, with support from volunteer “Digital Ambassadors' to assist teachers and students to maximise the use of the technology in the classroom.

The Digital Office relies on community support to run the ‘Tablets in Schools' scheme. Their hope is that the launch of the Kev the Kiwi app will draw attention to the initiative, and help them to move closer towards the goal of raising $50 000.

There are several channels to help support the initiative, including downloading the Kev the Kiwi game via iTunes, donating via the Facebook page, purchasing Kev the Kiwi merchandise on Cafe Press and donating devices.