Mataura school students had a blooming good time when they joined Gore District Council staff members to help plant daffodil bulbs along Main Street earlier this term.
The community project, completed as part of their participation in the Graeme Dingle Foundation Kiwi Can programme, linked in with their focus on learning about integrity and being good role models.
Graeme Dingle Foundation Southland’s Kiwi Can coordinator Jennifer Jacques explains: “Giving back to the community through this project is a great way to strengthen the school and community connection, and build positive relationships.”
In collaboration with Gore District Council, the event was repeated after a successful first year in 2021. Approximately 120 students helped to plant more the daffodil bulbs, and as Gore District Council’s Parks & Recreation Manager Keith McRobie said: “you actually get a lot done when you have a big crew.”
He also noted it was a welcomed opportunity for GDC’s staff to be working together with positive and happy kids.
As reported in The Ensign, pupils Avery Brannigan and Kingston Hamilton agreed they thought it was a good idea to plant daffodils. “It helps people relax and helps people feel happier,” Avery said. “We need to grow more flowers than trees in Mataura,” Kingston said.
Watch The Ensign’s video below for more from the day:
