Bill English helps Reporoa replant
Reporoa Primary School has been transformed into a Tree-mendous school by members of the local community, with Prime Minister Bill English making a surprise visit on Saturday to help turn an unused paddock into an outdoor learning area.
The rural school, halfway between Taupo and Rotorua had a large paddock which was overrun with weeds and shrubs.
Taking this opportunity with both hands the school applied to Treemendous for a $10,000 grant.
Together with Project Crimson and the Mazda Foundation, Reporoa Primary School created a plan to turn the space into an interactive outdoor learning area.
The Prime Minister chatted with children, parents, teachers and other helpers, as well as getting up close and personal with George the Weta, and planted a Hoheria Sextylosa ‘Purple Lace’ tree.
More than 150 people from the school and local community, along with staff from Mazda New Zealand, the Mazda Foundation, Rotorua Mazda and Project Crimson, pitched in to transform the school grounds.
The group worked hard to clear the area of old shrubs, weeds and other debris before planting more than 580 new grasses and 50 native trees to encourage native birds to visit the area.
A series of paths, that form the shape of koru, were completed on the day, which now lead students to an interactive outdoor learning area featuring weta hotels and kai gardens.
The newly created area provides students and teachers with a space where they can learn outside and ensures the natural environment is incorporated into all areas of the school curriculum.
Principal Richelle McDonald says ‘‘we are committed to educating students about the environment and world around them. The new interactive outdoor learning area will provide our students with a space where they can be immersed in nature and learning at the same time.’’
She said thanks to project leader Susannah Engel, all the children, the Mazda Foundation, Project Crimson and the local community who took time to turn Reporoa School into a Treemendous School.
Reporoa is the fifth and final school to become a Treemendous School this year, following Houghton Valley School, Nelson Central, Leithfield School and Alexandra Primary School.