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Horizons Regional Council

Thursday 17 April, 2014

Mangaweka students create unique Check, Clean, Dry sign

Horizons Regional Council is praising Mangaweka School students for their efforts in creating a unique Check, Clean, Dry sign for the popular Mangaweka camping ground.

Horizons’ Check, Clean, Dry advocate Andrew Watt approached the school earlier in the year to see if they would be interested in helping create an awareness sign as part of Horizons’ Check, Clean, Dry programme.

“This is the first time we’ve worked with a school group in this way and by doing so have engaged with children and helped them understand why it’s important to protect our rivers,” says Mr Watt.

“It also means that the sign is owned by the community and will be looked after - which is great as the sign Mangaweka School have produced is absolutely fantastic.”

Mangaweka School principal Maree Rossiter says the sign design, which depicts iconic Rangitikei cliffs, aimed to reflect protecting local rivers.

“The whole class researched what billboards and Rangitikei scenery looked like before any painting was done to ensure it would be recognised as a Rangitikei sign,” says Ms Rossiter.

“From here students put forward their draft ideas and two students, Harrison Phyn and Virginia Baird, were chosen to paint the sign. We’re really grateful to Horizons for the opportunity to do this project as it gives students a chance to learn about Check, Clean, Dry in a real life situation, which aligns with our school learning philosophy.”

11 year old artist Virginia Baird says before starting the painting they agreed on different roles to highlight their strengths.

“We came to an agreement Harrison would design the sign and I’d decide what type of textures and techniques we’d use when we painted it,” she says.

“It took about four weeks in total to complete and we’re really happy to see it up now.”

The sign is situated at the entrance to Mangaweka camping grounds and Mr Davey says this spot was chosen for its popularity year round.

“We wanted the sign to be close to the school and also in a high traffic spot where heaps of people will see it,” he says.

“Considering how busy the camping ground gets over summer with both national and international visitors this seemed like the perfect spot. We want to remind river users that a few simple steps when moving between waterways can have a big impact on the future health of our rivers and streams by keeping pests like didymo out.”

Check, Clean, Dry posters are available for local shops or groups and the Horizons team is happy to be approached to attend other events or speak to fishing, tramping and other outdoor and water sports groups.

To find out more about Check, Clean, Dry, visit the team on Facebook at facebook.com/TeamCheckCleanDry or give Horizons a call on toll free 0508 800 800.

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