School's garden grows with grant

Te Ranga School acting principal Janet Blaauw receives a cheque from Rural Women NZ representative Mary McTavish for its garden projects.

Te Ranga School received a $2000 boost from Rural Woman New Zealand and Farmlands to help grow its garden projects.

The fruit and vegetable grant is available only to rural schools with fewer than 300 pupils. Every year 11 schools are selected from around New Zealand, on merit to benefit from the funding.

RWNZ Bay of Plenty/Coromandel national councillor Mary McTavish congratulated staff and pupils at Te Ranga School when she presented the cheque on Friday and said its garden was fabulous.

"I am most impressed with what you have already achieved in your school garden. Your tomatoes are better than mine and so is your silverbeet.

"Clearly there are some expert gardeners among you and I'm very pleased you won this year as you are already demonstrating your keen interest in growing and harvesting your produce."

"I hope other rural schools take note of your success and apply for the 2014 Rural Women New Zealand/Farmlands garden grant."

Te Ranga School acting principal Janet Blaauw said the fund would enable staff and pupils to make a real difference to the outdoor gardening area.

"The children love the hands-on aspect of their gardens and enjoy eating the vegetables that came from them. It's a real learning experience."