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Rahotu Primary School wins shade grant

Rahotu Primary School pupils will soon be enjoying a shaded sandpit, thanks to a $2000 grant from Farmlands and Meridian Energy to create extra shade at the school.

The school, which has a roll of 133, is one of seven rural primary schools throughout the North Island to receive the grant for shade.

The money was raised from ten ‘Ladies Nights’ fun events held by Farmlands, and supported by Meridian, in rural areas late last year.

Farmlands Innovation and Communications Manager, Allister Bathgate, says the idea for shading came from one of the team at Farmlands’ head office.

“He’s involved with his local school and was aware that creating adequate shade is a real issue in rural schools. They also find it more difficult to find funding for extras because their rolls and communities are smaller.”

More than 200 schools applied for the grants. They needed to be a North Island rural school and demonstrate a need for shade. Rural Women New Zealand managed the application process.

Allister says Farmlands initially selected five schools to receive $2000 each.

“But two of our sponsors of the ‘Ladies Nights’ events, Meridian Energy and FMG, also wanted to contribute. Farmlands found a bit of extra funding, so we had a total of $14,000 to distribute to seven schools. This particular grant for Rahotu Primary is supported by Meridian.”

Rahotu Primary Principal, Margaret Dobbin, says they had been using an “old and tatty” second hand sunshade over the newly extended sandpit, so the grant will be used to build a new fixed pole and roof structure.

“Because we’re on the coast, we tend to get a lot of wind and have found shade sails aren’t the best shade solution for us.”

She says the school community was surprised to be chosen for the grant.

“We really appreciate Farmlands and Meridian supporting our school. We know sun protection is important, but it’s sometimes difficult to find the money for things like this.”

Allister says the Ladies Night programme was so successful, it will be repeated this year.

“We’re hoping to exceed our fundraising target to provide grants for another yet-to-be decided project to assist deserving rural schools.”

The other schools to receive grants were: Peria School (Kaitaia), Tutira School (Hawke’s Bay), Tiniroto School, (Gisborne), Puahue School (Te Awamutu), Lichfield School (Putaruru) and Mount Biggs School (Feilding).

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