Dozens of children scouring Yatton Park for clues to Easter themed prizes today is helping to raise funds and awareness for a Fathers' Refuge centre operating in Tauranga.

The refuge, run by the non-profit organisation Kidz Need Dadz, on Fraser Street provides much needed emergency accommodation for struggling fathers and their children.

Two-year-old Annalia and father Jason Rowntree had a successful Easter egg hunt. Photo Bruce Barnard.

Lilleigh, 10 months, kept her eye her puppy 'Buddy' at the Easter egg hunt. Photo Bruce Barnard.

Today the organisation ran an Easter Scavenger Hunt at the Greerton Park where, despite the rain, more than 60 people turned out to hunt for clues.

'It went really well – there are plenty of kids down here,” says manager Lianne Mather.

'I think we have about 60 children, and more are turning up. Each of them is given a set of clues and they go on the hunt to find items they can exchange for Easter prizes – we have also thrown in a few special prizes aswell.”

Lianne says although the day helps to raise funds for the refuge, it is also about celebrating fathers and the part they play children's lives.

'Holidays tend to bring out the worst in families unfortunately, it is a time for many break-ups, and when a lot of relationships struggle. That is why this is the time to focus on children, and that is what we are doing today.”

In addition to emergency and subsidised long term accommodation, the refuge also provides affordable weekend and holiday accommodation for men who may be visiting their children from out-of-town.

Lianne says KND has educational programmes available and can help with writing court affidavits and family counselling services. To learn more about the services click here.