Porirua College’s community garden
‘‘A nuclear reactor’’ is how Porirua College teacher Dave Sutherland describes his year 10 science class.
On February 17, students celebrated their 2015 efforts to turn a desolate school space into a productive and vibrant community garden.
The old garden area had been designated out of bounds and was about to be demolished. Sutherland felt that re-establishing the community garden space would be a worthwhile project.
His science class decided the best way was to vote for a project focus to get the upgrade under way.
Their suggestions of worm farms, compost bins, even a chocolate fountain were outvoted in preference to doing something they could all be involved in and that would reflect their cultural community spirit – painting the rear garden wall with some meaningful mural art.
The project was part of the successful Kids Partnership Programme, involving Porirua City Council, schools and Partners Porirua.
Over the 12 months, students were also involved in planning, designing and painting the mural.
Students Taupe-Jack Lomax and Nictequa Amaru-Erskine mentioned the assistance of council experts, school staff and Dac Beecroft Lawyers and Wesley Gardens volunteers.